Preacher Samuel Elmer Hyde, Sr. went home to be with the Lord on April 25, 2015, surrounded by those he loved. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Jane (Gragg) Hyde, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. The Lord blessed them with 5 children, Charlene M. Close, Brenda K. Cosentino, Cynthia J. Pilkington, Donna M. Drew, and Samuel Elmer Hyde, Jr. He was also blessed with 16 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren. His parents, Hessie M. (Ball) Hyde and David Pat Hyde of Bryson City, N.C, preceded him in death. Samuel served in the Army during the Korean Conflict, and was awarded five medals before being honorably discharged. Samuel Hyde, who was known and loved by many in the community, known as Preacher Hyde, began his ministry leading a congregation at Riverview Baptist Church in Corbin, Kentucky, while studying at Clear Creek College and Seminary in Pineville, Kentucky. He was awarded a Doctor of Divinity from Tabernacle Baptist Theological Seminary. Samuel and Shirley Hyde were founding members of Victory Baptist Church, Hampton, Virginia, where he served as Pastor for 51 years. In addition to ministering to a growing congregation, he founded the Victory Baptist Children's Home, where foster children were temporarily placed, awaiting a permanent home. He also established Victory Baptist School and Victory Baptist College, which equipped many to enter the ministry themselves. A service of remembrance and celebration of Samuel's life will be held at Victory Baptist Church, 445 Shelton Rd., Hampton, at 12 noon on Saturday, May 2, 2015 and will be preceded by visitation at the church from 10 am - 12 noon. Burial will follow at Hampton Veterans' Memorial Garden. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Samuel Hyde Benevolent Fund in support and recognition of Pastor and Mrs. Hyde's many years of service to the church and community may be sent payable to Victory Baptist Church, 445 Shelton Rd., Hampton, VA 23663. Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home