Michael Leon Hyatt, 68, of Patterson, died Sunday, April 10, 2016, at the Woodruff County Health Center in McCrory. He was born June 4, 1947, in Newport, a son of the late Delbert and Bonnie (Prince) Hyatt. Michael was raised in Jackson and Woodruff Counties and grew up working on the farm, chopping and picking cotton. He learned at an early age how to work hard, provide for a family and the value of doing so. During his childhood, he could be found in the woods, on the creek or doing something outdoors, most of the time with his brother, Phillip. He carried his work ethic with him his entire life, always working diligently at whatever the task was. Whether it was at his job, in his shop or a project around the house, he wanted to do it to the best of his ability.Michael was employed by Thompson-Wilson Funeral Homes for 30 years before health forced him to retire in 2013. For many years, he managed the monument shop for the funeral homes, engraving hundreds, if not thousands, of monuments and memorials for people all over Arkansas and Tennessee. He operated his backhoe, opening and closing the graves for community members and often times his close friends and even family. Throughout his years with Thompson-Wilson he served many families, assisting with funeral services and anything else needed around the business. As much as he loved working, he was never too busy to spend time with his family. There was nothing he enjoyed more than spending time at his mother’s, visiting with her and everyone else that stopped by. He was very involved in his grandchildren’s lives, enjoying every minute he could spend with them. Michael spent many hours building, painting, “rigging”, crawling, acting, pretending and just plain spoiling his grandkids. They always brought a sparkle to his eye that nothing else on this earth could.
His sense of humor was very unique and sometimes hard for some people to read, especially if they didn’t possess one. Mike’s crooked smile, distinctive laugh and sometimes blunt nature were his trademarks. If you knew him, you loved him. He had a giving and very generous disposition and would literally give the shirt off his back to anyone he loved.
Daddy (Pop), Pa, Son, Brother, Uncle, Cousin, Father-in-Law were just some of the titles he carried, but the most important one of all was FRIEND. We are going to miss you like crazy, but we have no doubt where you are. So until we meet again, rest Pop……. You deserve it!!
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Tyler and Jada Hyatt of Bald Knob; 3 grandchildren (his prides), Peyton Hyatt, Meredith Hyatt and Camryn “Cami” Hyatt; his brothers, Phillip Hyatt (Nancy) of McCrory and David Hyatt of Patterson; a sister, Kathy Hyatt of Farmington and several nieces and nephews whom he loved very much.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Delbert and Bonnie (Prince) Hyatt; 2 brothers, Gary and Dean Hyatt; a sister, Wanda Holland and his grandparents, aunts and uncles whom he loved dearly.
Visitation will be Wednesday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Thompson-Wilson Funeral Home in McCrory. A graveside service will be held on Thursday, April 14, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. at the Fakes Cemetery with Bro. James Vanoven officiating. A special thanks to everyone at Thompson-Wilson for your generosity and assistance. Arrangements are entrusted to Powell Funeral Home, Bald Knob – Judsonia.