Gerald Douglas Hite

Gerald Douglas Hite, age 95 of Calhoun, GA, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at The Fountains of Calhoun.

Gerald was born on July 1, 1927 in Saluda County, South Carolina, son of the late Wilmer Brinton Hite and Ethel Mayer Hite. In addition to his parents, Gerald was also preceded in death by: his wife, Catherine Brown Hite; and four brothers, Wilmer Hite, Philip Hite, Ellis Hite and Donald Hite. Gerald grew up in Prosperity, South Carolina where he and his family ran a farm. Gerald played semi pro baseball with the Old Dutch Fork League in South Carolina as a pitcher. He was a veteran of the United States Field Artillery and a graduate of Newberry College. Gerald began his teaching career in Gordon County at Oakman School serving as Principal, teacher and bus driver. He moved to Calhoun High School in 1954 as a math teacher ; and also, taught night school to military veterans. He remained at Calhoun High School until his retirement in 1988. During those years he was selected as Star Teacher and Teacher of the Year several times. He never missed a day of school except for serving on jury duty or continuing education. Gerald enjoyed his years of traveling with the NW Georgia Good Sams traveling all over the country following retirement. Gerald was also fortunate enough to travel more extensively with Lydia Falls. Gerald was a member of the Calhoun Lions Club for 55 years and was presented the Melvin Jones Fellow Award. He was also a Cherokee Promenade Square Dancer for many years. He thoroughly enjoyed traveling, being with his family, eating a good meal and laughing with his brothers.

Gerald is survived by his five children, Rachel Hite, Nancy Heard and her husband Larry, Doug Hite and his wife Barbara, Mac Hite and his wife Polly, and Alvan Hite and his wife Kathy; one sister, Nelda McCracken; brother, Carlton Hite; and nine grandchildren and nine great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Also surviving is his constant and loving companion, Lydia Falls. The family will receive friends on Friday, February 10, 2023, from 5 PM until 8 PM at Thomas Funeral Home.  

Funeral Services will be conducted on Saturday, February 11, 2023, at 1 PM from the Calhoun First United Methodist Church with Reverend Ed Archer and Reverend Clifford Free officiating. Carmen Green and Muggsy Thornton will have charge of music. Interment will follow in Fain Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 12:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall prior to the 1:00 PM service.

Pallbearers serving include: Brint Hite, Andy Hite, Chet Hite, David Bowers, Jake Heard, Hank Mauldin, and Eddie McCracken. 

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Gerald may be made to the Calhoun First United Methodist Church or to the charity of your choice.  The family would like to thank the staffs at The Fountains of Calhoun, North Georgia Home Sitters, Advent Health and Homespun Hospice.  The family will be forever grateful to all those mentioned for the care and compassion shown to Gerald and the family.

You may leave the family online condolences at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com

Thomas Funeral Home has proudly been entrusted with the care of Gerald Douglas Hite.