Ernest Hyde, 97, a long time resident of Franklin, NC, died Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2010 at the KBR Hospice Home in Winston-Salem.

He was born in Andrews, NC on March 22, 1913 to William A. and Rosa Grant Hyde. He was preceded in death by his wife, Milton Hyde, and his son, William M. Hyde.

He is survived by his daughter, Suzy Hyde Hix and husband Brad Hix of Winston-Salem; his son, Jack H. Hyde of Franklin, NC; and his grandchildren, Stuart Turner, Vickie Hyde and Jack Hyde, Jr.

Mr. Hyde was employed by Nantahala Power and Light Co. in Franklin for 36 years as an Electrical Engineer where he played a big part in the building of many of the company's existing dams and power plants. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church in Winston-Salem, and a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Franklin, NC. He was the oldest living past Master of the Junaluska Masonic Lodge where he served for 63 years.

A memorial service will be held at the Independence Village Dining Hall in Winston-Salem on Sunday, Oct. 3, at 3 p.m., for friends and family in this area.

In Franklin, the family will receive guests at Macon Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 9, at 2 p.m. Following this, a Masonic service and burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the KBR Hospice Home in Winston-Salem or to the donor's local Hospice.