ROY CLAYTON "SKEET" HYATT JR.

ROY CLAYTON “SKEET” HYATT, JR Trumpets were sounding on Monday February 9, 2026, when the Angels welcomed Roy “Skeet” Hyatt to his heavenly home. Skeet, as he was known from childhood, was born October 8, 1939 in Bartley, WV, to Roy Clayton ”Red” Hyatt, Sr., and Martha Alice “Mattie” (Barnett). He was the youngest child of five. After surviving 3 bouts of cancer resulting in poor health, he passed peacefully, thanks to the wonderful ICU staff at Princeton Community Hospital while surrounded by family. Skeet has been a lifelong resident of War, helping to found the Big Creek Volunteer Rescue Squad and serving on City Council. He was a performer at heart, helping with the War Fall Festival each year and relished playing the part of “Black Bart.” He felt he was at his best when sporting his famous handlebar mustache while in the role. His performing skills as a “Spoonologist” were known far and wide as he regularly joined in with bands and musicians playing his “custom,” homemade set of spoons. He was once a guest performer while cruising down the river on the Mississippi Queen riverboat. Skeet was active in the Emmanuel Baptist Church in War, WV where he worshipped and was devoted to the Lord. His personal relationship with the Lord impacted every step of his life. He could regularly be seen wearing hats calling attention to his love for Jesus. He attended Big Creek High School in War and worked as a coal miner for over 20 years before becoming a dedicated school bus driver for the McDowell County Board of Education for more than three decades. Being a big kid at heart made it easy for him to relate to and enjoy the company of the students he transported. Many of whom sought him out after completing their education to thank him for his influence. Skeet was also a devout hunter and outdoorsman as well as a fan of NASCAR racing and riding motorcycles. Skeet’s ability to reach and connect with others through his sense of humor, smile and sheer presence was a gift and blessing that his family and friends will cherish and remember forever. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his loving wife, Georgia Ellen (Powers), sister, Anita “Judy” Barnes; brother, Lawrence “Bowzer” Hyatt; and sister, Mary Gray, and honorary family member and best friend, Bill Adams. Those left to cherish his memories are his son, David Hyatt and Holli of Concord, NC; one sister, Shirley Katusich (Joe) of Gales Ferry CT; two grandchildren, Hannah Grace Hyatt of Alexandria, VA, and Hunter Benjamin also of Concord; Special nieces Faye Dinnauer and DeLisa Katusich, and nephews Joey Katusich, Darrell Bledsoe, and Craig Hyatt. Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, February 14 at Emmanuel Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 11:00am-12:30pm. Funeral services will be from 1:00pm-2:00pm with graveside burial following at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, Va. Frazier McGuire will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Hunter Hyatt, Rick Ball, Mike Dinnauer, John Robert Turner, Zach Ball. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Blessing Box at Emmanuel Baptist Church, War, WV, to be used for others in need. The Douglas Mortuary in Welch is serving the family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.douglasmortuary.com

ROY CLAYTON "SKEET" HYATT JR.

October 8, 1939 - February 9, 2026