Walter F. “Fred” Hyers went home to the Lord Sunday, January 7, 2024, after a short illness.
Born February 10, 1935, in Mershon, he was one of nine children of Walter Flem Hyers and Macie Bell Brunson Hyers. Siblings, Jack, Juneau, Brunson, Benny, Sue Carol and Bobby proceeded him in death.
Sisters, Eddie Lou West, Jackson, NC and Macie Ann Mooney, Waycross, along with several dozen nieces and nephews continue the Hyers legacy.
Since returning to his beloved Georgia in March, 2020, Macie has been his roommate, caretaker and driver, giving selflessly of herself to make his last years, along with their dog Shadow, everything he desired.
Early on, he left Georgia to join the U.S. Navy. He traveled the world. While stationed in Southern California he met Patricia W. Kelly, while on a weekend excursion to Catalina Island. Together their 24-year marriage yielded two children, Kelly Hyers-Stroman, Redondo Beach, CA and Chris Hyers (Jodi), Avon, CT. His two children blessed him with the greatest joys of his life, five grandchildren, CJ Hyers, Cincinnati, OH, Gage Stroman, Los Angeles, CA Cassandra ‘Cassie’ Hyers, Nashville, TN, Chase Stroman, Los Angeles, and Catherine “Cat” Hyers, Avon. Nothing made him happier or prouder than his grandkids and the amazing adults they have become.
In the mid 1980s, he met his second wife, Helen Weindel, undoubtedly, the love of his life. They married and lived in Sacramento for over 30 years until her passing in 2018. Together, they enjoyed retired life with friends, their grandkids, social activities at the Carmichael Elks Lodge where he gave selflessly and generously of his time and talents in a number of roles.
Over his working career, he was a world class HVAC man with ACCO and ComAir, first in Los Angeles, then later in Sacramento. He was known for dropping anything to help a neighbor in need on a hot Sacramento summer night. He could fix anything and enjoyed doing so. Whether fixing up his many rental properties, or quickly (and proudly) completing the “fix it” list that his kids would have waiting upon his visits, he enjoyed fixing the broken and embraced the challenge. He was equally known for his competitiveness, at golf, bowling, board games, pool and cribbage. We all thought he cheated but could never figure out how. He was known to tip the board, drop a score card or nudge the ball, looking innocent and victorious.
Moving back to Georgia after Helen’s passing was his choice to live the remaining time on earth in his happy place, Waycross. Whether visiting life-long friends, his land in Mershon or wandering the back roads among the tall trees and blue sky, he had arrived to the land in wish he wished to rest. The kindness of his sister and extended family and friends over the past few years was incredible. This included his “second” family at the Waycross Huddle House, where they treated him like royalty on his near daily visit. He will be remembered as a good man who cared more than his gruff exterior, a friendly neighbor, more generous than his cheap reputation, and most successful in every measurable way.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9, at the funeral home.
Family and friends will gather at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10, at the Ramah Cemetery to celebrate his life, on what would have been his 89th birthday. The celebration will be followed by lunch.
Fred was a practical man. In lieu of flowers or gifts, we ask that when you think of him you reach out to a friend, a neighbor, or a stranger with a friendly smile, a warm “hello”, or an act of random kindness as so many did for him during his final years.
Notes can be addressed to the family, c/o Macie Mooney, 2250 Seminole Trail, Waycross, Georgia, 31501.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome.com.
Miles-Odum Funeral Home of Waycross is in charge of arrangements.
