Herman (Billy) Wilbert Hyatt Jr.

Herman Wilbert "Billy" Hyatt Jr., beloved son of the late Dr. Herman Hyatt Sr. and Elizabeth Hyatt of San Jose, California, passed away peacefully on March 22, 2024, at the age of 66. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman Sr. and Elizabeth Hyatt, along with his brothers Sterling Hyatt and Robbie Hyatt.

Billy is survived by his loving brothers Richie Hyatt and Hamilton Hyatt and his wife Bernice, his sisters Monique and Monica Hyatt, and his children: Brittany, Venitia, Trevor, Lana, Destiny and Jaylen. His grandchildren: Dejohna, Sade, Nyah, Devin, La'Don, Jaylin, Ashanti, and Cypher. And a host of great grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

Known to many as "Billy"; Herman Wilbert Hyatt Jr. was a man of unwavering strength and stature, and a pillar of love to those around him. His devotion to the Lord was evident in every aspect of his life, especially in his passion for music. Billy was a consummate multi-instrumentalist and a talented music producer and performer. His passion for music knew no bounds, and he cherished every moment he spent learning, playing, and creating while sharing the sounds with others. His other passion was boxing. He was an amateur boxer who was on track for going professional until a serious arm injury. He would fight in tournaments and even went on to train teens and young adults at local gyms and high schools where he was loved by many and looked up to by the students.

Billy attended Piedmont High School in San Jose California, where he first played in a band. He loved high school and enjoyed being the "rockstar" of the school. He performed at parties and events. After graduation, he went on to create his own music legacy, forming the "Billy Hyatt Concept", a three-piece group that featured Mark Welker on bass guitar and Brian Schwertley on drums. He also played with a plethora of other local musicians at various times.

Billy was a hard worker who provided for his family by any means necessary. Although life was never the easiest, his children never went without. He worked at many different gigs throughout his whole life in addition to always keeping a steady job. For years he was a professional mover who worked long hours and long days just to make sure his family was fed and housed. The sacrifices he would make to benefit his children are unseen nowadays.

Throughout his life, Billy touched the hearts of many with his warmth and kindness, and infectious spirit. He always had a heart for people struggling in unfortunate circumstances. And when he came upon his own, he found new hope and purpose at CHAM Deliverance Ministry, in downtown San Jose, CA, where he would play for the church ministry in worship and service. He also helped at the shelter, in keeping order and encouraging others who were walking through in their struggle.

Billy was a learner, who taught himself guitar, along with recording, and engineering. He went on to assist in other projects with other artists, including Miss Kristin where he co-produced "The Elephant Groove" and "Love Makes All The Rules" for Big Fuss Records. Billy continued to write and produce his own music for Big Fuss Records and leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and creativity that will continue to inspire all who knew him.

A celebration of Billy's life will be held on April 27th, 2024, at 11 AM at Chapel of Flowers in San Jose. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to https://gofund.me/31f2a359 in memory of Billy.

Though he may no longer walk among us, Billy's memory will live on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to have known him. Rest in peace, dear Billy. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.