JAMES A. HYTER, 87, known to countless thousands of loving admirers as “Ol’ Man River,” died Thursday April 2, 2009 at Methodist University Hospital Healthcare after an illness of several months. Hyter ,was an internationally known bass-baritone. His lifelong love of music grew to local celebrity status with his singing of “Ol’ Man River” during the Sunset Symphony at the Annual Memphis In May International Festival from 1978-1998. Before focusing on his musical career full-time in 1988, he was a marketing representative for 20 years with Blue Cross/Blue Shield. He received numerous honors and awards for his community service and vocal performances. A historical marker stands in Tom Lee Park in his honor. He was a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School. He served three years in the U. S. Army and later received a degree from Henderson Business College. He is survived by his daughter Beverly Hyter-Ngah (Gideon); sister Eleanor Hyter Guy; he is survived by two sisters-in-law, Gloria Grose Cooper (Johnnie) and Lucille Grose. Also survived by two brothers-in-law, Vernon Grose (Dorothy), and Arthur Grose, also a special niece, Phyllis Hyter (Charles) and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral arrangements are being handled by R. S. Lewis and Sons Funeral Home, 374 Vance Ave., Memphis. Visitation will be from 3-7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8 at St. Luke United Methodist Church, 480 South Highland Additional parking is available at the former Highland Street Church of Christ, 455 South Highland. A shuttle will transport visitors from parking lot to church door. Additionally Mr. Hyter will have a visitation from 9-10 a.m., Thursday April 9 , in the Wilson chapel at Christ United Methodist Church, 4488 Poplar Avenue, followed by a memorial service at 10:30 AM in the sanctuary. Internment will be in the West Tennessee Veterans Cemetery on Forest Hill Irene, Memphis, TN. A selection of his favorite songs is preserved on a CD, Musically Yours, James A. Hyter. The family requests in lieu of flowers, that memorial donations should be directed to the James A Hyter Vocal Music Scholarship Fund at the Community Foundation of Greater Memphis, 1900 Union Avenue 38104, (901-728-4600), as well as St. Luke United Methodist Church, 480 South Highland, 38111, where he was a member and a featured vocalist. R. S. Lewis & Son Funeral Home (901)526-3264
Published in The Commercial Appeal on 4/7/2009
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