Charles Estal Hyder

January 18, 1955 - September 23, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Charles Estal Hyder, Elizabethton, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Charles left this world suddenly after a long battle with heart disease and diabetes on September 23, 2025, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital and was immediately embraced by his Savior.

Charles was born on January 18, 1955, to Bill and Connie Hyder of Elizabethton, TN, and was a proud graduate of Unaka High School. Throughout his life, he dedicated himself to his faith, family, and community. An active member of Valley Forge Freewill Baptist Church, Charles taught the Sanctuary Sunday School, participated in the Praise Choir, and volunteered for Second Harvest Food Bank, as well as being involved in the Men's Fellowship group.

Participating in praise and worship was a significant part of Charles's life.  He was a long-time member of the Zion Baptist Youth Choir and the Valley Forge Freewill Baptist Praise Choir. He loved to sing, shout, and praise the Lord. He enjoyed sharing his testimony using tools, including handing out "Little Jesus" figurines and his Ford Mustang Convertible with the gray running board representing sin, the red body the Blood of the Lamb, and the white top representing being washed white as snow.

Spending time with family and friends was something Charles looked forward to; he loved to host cookouts and share "to-go" food with everyone, as well as attending social gatherings with his Church Family. We will all miss his contagious joy.

Professionally, Charles retired after many years of loyal and dedicated service to his family's construction business, Hyder Paving and (CAPS) Construction Asphalt Paving Services. He had extensive work experience and a passion for his work, often sharing stories about the jobs he had completed.

Charles leaves behind to cherish memories and love, his wife, Becky Hyder; daughters, Jennifer Stapleton (Alan) of Huntersville, NC; Carla Paxton of Morristown, TN, and son Justin Hyder of Kingsport, TN; Stepson Derrick Vines of Elizabethton, TN;  grandchildren Carson Hyder, Kylie Hyder, Jamison Hyder, Kinsley Hyder, and Parker Stapleton; brother Gary Hyder of Johnson City, TN; sister Marlous Black (Charlie) of Columbia, SC;  and numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Connie and Bill Hyder.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Valley Forge Freewill Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. with a service at 6:00 p.m. With Pastor Randy Johnson and Pastor Mark Potter officiating. The Praise Choir will provide music. A graveside service is scheduled for September 29, 2025, at 1 p.m. at Happy Valley Memorial Park in Elizabethton, Tennessee.

The pallbearers include Tom Pleasant, Tom Raine, Gary Hyder, Alan Stapleton, Justin Hyder, Carson Hyder, Derrick Vines, Harvey Norris, and Ken Arney.

Honorary pallbearers: Eddie Shellcross, Tony Lawson, Tim Shell, Charlie Black, and his church family.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Charles to the Forge Building Fund at Valley Forge Freewill Baptist Church, 1503 Riverview Dr., Elizabethton, Tennessee, or Valleyforgechurch.com.

Charles will be remembered for his unwavering faith, kind spirit, and dedication to family and community. His spirit will live on in our hearts. Family and friends will assemble at the funeral home at 12:20 p.m. on Monday to go to the Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family at our website www.memorialfcelizabethton.com.

Memorial Funeral Chapel is serving the Hyder family.