Gerald Franklin Lyda

Gerald Franklin Lyda 75, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, December 29, 2025, at his home surrounded by his family. Born March 18,1950 he was the son of Edward 'Crab' Lyda and Mildred Bailey. He was the husband of Margaret Pearson Lyda for 48 years. Together they shared two daughters, Kayla L. Brian (Tim) of Boiling Springs, S.C. and Jaime Lyda Jimenez of the home. They also shared a bonus son, Mason Franco of the home. He was predeceased by two sons, Jerry and Walley Lyda. Not only is he survived by his wife and daughters but his grandchildren, Josh, Sarah, and Gracie Brian and Marissa Stone of Ohio. His siblings, Virginia Kreuzer (Roger) of Spartanburg, S.C., Kathy Dogan (Win) of Mary Ester FL, and Ronald Lyda of Lyman, S.C. He was also predeceased by a sister, Elaine Suttles. He will be missed by his nieces and nephews and his extended family as well.

Gerald was an amazing husband, father, and papa. To many he was called "Honey" or "Daddy Gerald."

Gerald loved the Lord and lived a good Christian life. He was an active member of Cross Hill Community Church where he loved to fellowship with his brothers and sisters in Christ; with special friends Rodger and Marguerette Lowery for more than forty years. He was famous for his chili at a lot of those gatherings. He also loved to fish, eat chocolate cake and drink coffee. He worked as a machinist for his whole life for multiple textile mills in Spartanburg over the years before he retired. He was a simple man, who always put his family first, never wanting for much in this life. He will be remembered for being a peacekeeper, the love he had for his family, and the love he had for the Lord.

Matthew 5:9: "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Monday, January 5, 2026, at Cross Hill Community Church, 180 Wingo Heights Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29303.

Funeral service will be held, at 1:00 PM on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at Cross Hill Community Church, 180 Wingo Heights Rd, Spartanburg, SC 29303 followed by the burial in Fort Price Memorial Gardens, 126 Fort Prince Rd, Wellford, SC 29385. Services will be conducted by The Rev., Brian Tillotson and Rev. Tim Wofford.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to SRMC Hospice or Muscular Dystrophy Association, Inc WEB PO Box 7410354Chicago, IL 60674-0354.