Billy Ray Hyden

Billy Ray "Bill" Hyden, 93, of Tulsa, passed away on January 10, 2017. A beloved brother, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents, A.F. and Alma Hyden; brother, John Hyden; and former wife of many years, Darline Hyden. He is survived by his sister, Marguerite Cunningham; brother, Alsie Hyden; five children: Becky, Patti (Coppock), Randy, Mike and David; six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

He was born in Mill Creek, OK, graduated from Berryhill High School and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree from The University of Tulsa.

During WWII, he served in Europe as a C-47 pilot with the 62nd Air Force Squadron. His squadron took part in Operation Varsity, the largest airborne mission in WWII.

Bill was a longtime Tulsa television and radio personality. Hired by W.G. Skelly in 1954, he was the very first weatherman on KVOO-TV (now KJRH). In the 60's on KOTV, he hosted the popular "Sun Up" variety show and was the 10:00 pm news anchor.

His radio career spanned decades. He was one of the original announcers on the first FM radio station in Oklahoma KWGS, operated by the University of Tulsa. He was an air personality on KMUS, KOCY, KRMG, KVOO, KXXO and WQXR (NYC). He launched KTBA-FM in Broken Arrow as manager and part owner, later selling to Roy Clark, Jim Halsey and Hank Thompson. He was named "Broken Arrow Citizen of the Year" in 1974.

Bill was the Director of Alumni Relations for the University of Tulsa from 1968-71.

He emceed March of Dimes telethons and beauty pageants statewide including the Miss Oklahoma Pageant.

He loved acting and singing in local productions - Theater Tulsa, The Red Glove Revue and The Tulsa Gridiron. He was a longtime member of the Tulsa Press Club and was Red Cross 24 gallon blood donor.

Bill loved his family and friends and will be greatly missed.

Private family services.