Gary R. Hyde Jr.

Gary Robert Hyde II passed away on May 23, 2024, after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. Despite enduring severe pain, Gary faced his illness with remarkable bravery and grace. After trying numerous treatment options and none had worked, he chose hospice care and peacefully passed away a day later surrounded by loving family members.
Gary was born on June 15, 1963, at a Navy Hospital in San Diego, CA. When he was six weeks old, he and his parents traveled to their first home in Haleiwa, HI. Growing up, Gary experienced a vibrant and varied childhood, moving frequently with his Army family. From Hawaii the family moved to Ft Sill, OK; Ann Arbor, MI; West Point, NY; Newburgh, NY; back to West Point; Ft Leavenworth, KS; and Alexandria, VA, where Gary graduated from Bishop Ireton High School in 1981.
The family then moved to Longwood, FL, where Gary attended Seminole Community College. Following college, he also moved frequently as he continued his career in the food and beverage industry, which he began as a busboy in high school. In Orlando he joined the Red Lobster chain, becoming one of the youngest managers in the chain, and then moved to Daytona to open a new Red Lobster. He married there in 1987 and his son was born a year later. He returned to Orlando with Red Lobster and his daughter was born there. Next, Gary relocated to Port St. Lucie, FL, with the Applebee's chain. He then transferred to the new Texas Roadhouse chain. With that chain he moved to Valdosta, GA where he trained Roadhouse staff. In 1999, he moved to Newnan, GA, where he remained for the rest of his life. There he first helped open and manage Newnan's Texas Roadhouse, then opened his own Jekyll and Hydes Sports Bar, which he operated for nearly a decade, and finally his Backroads BBQ in Moreland.
Gary was an upbeat, energetic, can-do, get-it-done, fun-loving kind of guy. A compleat Restaurateur - chef, bartender, host, server, bottle washer - he did it all. Always willing to share his knowledge and expertise with others. A skilled handyman - carpentry, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, appliance and auto repair. He built decks, a dock, and remodeled homes and his restaurants. A skydiver with 300+ jumps. A Strongman Competitor, who in his 50's often beat guys half his age. He loved parties and games, like poker and pool - an APA team captain for many years.
Gary was widely considered a pillar in the Newnan community, well-known for his generosity and ability to bring people together from all walks of life. He was an incredibly kind soul. A cherished son, devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend always ready to lend a helping hand. His journey was one of hard work, love, and dedication to his family, friends, and chosen profession. His warmth, kindness, and unwavering support for others will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Gary is survived by his wife Shelly Bleich Hyde; her children, Elyssa, Brenna, and Andrew, whom he loved as his own; his daughter Alexandrea; his son Gary III; his granddaughter Serenity; parents Button and Gary; and brother Barry.
A Memorial Gathering to bid farewell to Gary and meet with his family will be held on Saturday 15 June from 2-4 PM at the McKoon Funeral Home in Newnan. A Celebration of Life will be held that evening from 5-8 PM at The Bays Newnan. Attendees for that can honor Gary by wearing the kind of wild and crazy T-shirt he loved to wear.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you say a prayer for him and Make toasts with a beer of your choice to Gary and the people and country that he loved -The military, police, fire, and emergency medical personnel, and the United States of America.
Condolences can be expressed online at www.mckoon.com
McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580