Clarence Jerry Hyche
Clarence Jerry Hyche, 88, died on July 24, 2023. Born in Carbon Hill, Alabama, he was the son of Eva Belle and Clarence Hyche and the brother of the late Joe Hyche.
After graduating from Cordova High School in Alabama, Jerry obtained a degree in textile engineering from Auburn University and a master’s degree in textile technology from the Institute of Textile Technology in Charlottesville, Virginia.
In 1965, he married Janice Thompson of Ailey, Georgia, and they lived in textile towns throughout Georgia and North Carolina, finally settling in Simpsonville to raise their family. Jerry worked for several textile companies and retired with Greenwood Mills in Liberty, South Carolina. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina.
Jerry loved watching his sons’ basketball games, drilling them in tennis, and traveling all over the Southeast to watch their tennis matches. One of his passions was using his talented voice singing in the church choir and performing solos at churches, weddings, and funerals. Although he missed his calling to Broadway, he played many roles in community plays and musicals including a stunning rendition of Pap Finn, the vagabond drunkard, in Greenville Theatre’s production of “Big River: The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” – despite being a teetotaler.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Janice; sons, Tod (Meg), Ashley (Sarah), and Drew; and grandchildren, Mary Hunter, Thomas, Davin, Ellery, Harper, and Burns.
A celebration of life will be held at First Baptist Church at 847 Cleveland Street in Greenville at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday July 26 followed by a visitation at the church after the service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Baptist Church in Greenville, South Carolina or to a charity of one’s choice.
To the family…May Mr Hyche rest In Peace. I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill and comfort each of you completely, with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Hold on to the sweet memories you all have created. And know that I will miss my friend, but he is enjoying his new heavenly body. No more pain….Much Love, Marvin Dixon
Love you and your family like my own. Hugs and condolences to everyone. Ol’ Jer was the best. Love, Coby
A couple of memories stand out in my mind.
One was being bunked for 5 days with Janice and Jerry in Sarah’s SF apartment when Sarah and Ashley got engaged, even though we had never met each other….the beginning of a wonderful friendship.
Another was Janice’s and Jerry’s New England Heckscher-led tour..fun for us to be together without kids and grandkids.
It means so much to me all the phone calls Jerry initiated to see how i was doing.
Sending sympathy, strength, love and peace to you Ashley, and all the Hyches.
Kathy
Janice, Sam and I send you love, hugs, and prayers! You and I have been dearest friends since first grade. We are so glad we knew Jerry and have good memories with the two of you! Please take care of you now-for we love you so much!
I’m sorry to find so late that Mr Hyche passed away. He was a fine man and friends with my father that just passed away. I was trying to locate a number when I found this.
Barry Shelton (Dad, Nathan Shelton)