Mr. Charles Otis Hyde, age 93, of Ellijay, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Mr. Hyde was born on February 6, 1933, in Fannin County, Georgia, the eldest son of the late Johnny and Della Cochran Hyde. He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, completing basic training at Fort Lee, Virginia, and later being stationed in Kaiserslautern, Germany. During his service, he drove a "deuce and a half" cargo truck and attained the rank of Corporal.

Following his honorable discharge, Charles married the love of his life, Ruby Lee Findley of Ellijay. Together, they raised four sons and one daughter in their hilltop home on Yukon Road, where their children were blessed to grow up surrounded by the love and support of both sets of grandparents who lived within walking distance.

After returning home from military service, Charles attended a technical school on the GI Bill and became a well-known electrician and appliance repairman, dedicating much of his adult life to serving the people of Gilmer County and the surrounding communities. He was the former owner and operator of the Western Auto Store on River Street in Ellijay and later worked for many years at Ellijay Hardware and Furniture on the square and Ace Hardware on South Main Street. Eventually becoming self-employed, Charles worked in countless homes throughout the area, earning not only a living but also the friendship and respect of many he served.

He was a longtime member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church. He always led by example and always put others ahead of himself, his selfless acts of kindness unknown to the family until friends and neighbors related their "Charles Hyde story" to them throughout the years.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hyde was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Ruby Lee Hyde; infant daughter, Dina Hyde; two brothers, Earl and Truman Hyde; one sister, Delores Green; and his second wife, Lois Davis.

Survivors include four sons, Gary (Karen) Hyde, Randy Hyde, Ricky Hyde, and Mark Hyde, all of Ellijay; one daughter, Debbie Pinson of Ellijay; one sister, Helen (Junior) Teem of Ellijay; and grandchildren, Kevin (Kelly) Hyde, Amanda (Josh) Cantrell, Ivy (Evan) Pierce, Derek (JP) Pinson, Charita (Ben) Judia, Chad (Jordan) Pinson, Tabitha Hyde, and Jordan Hyde. He is also survived by great-grandchildren, Raylan Cantrell, Veda Pierce, Lucas Judia, Ruby and Eisley Pinson, Noah Hyde, Skye Blakely, and Talan Blakely also survive.

Charles was known for his strong work ethic, deep love for his family, and willingness to lend a helping hand whenever he was needed. He found great joy in gardening, working outdoors, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. He leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, service, and love that will continue to live on in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him.

In honoring his wishes, a private graveside service will be held for the immediate family with Rev. Bryan Hensley officiating. Pallbearers will be his sons, grandsons, and great-grandsons.

There was no public visitation held here at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mount Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery Fund in care of Mrs. Cora Payne, PO Box 1435, Ellijay, Georgia, 30540.

If you have a favorite memory or a "Charles Hyde story," the family would love to hear it. Please share via email at markh@ellijay.com or mail to Mark Hyde, 50 Orchard Lane, Talking Rock, GA, 30175.

Arrangements are under the care of Bernhardt Funeral Home.