His Story

David Arnold Hyman was born on October 6th 1950, to Henrietta Viola and James Earl Hyman in Philadelphia, PA. He was the youngest of three children from this union. David attended Camden public schools and graduated from Camden High School in 1969. As a young man, he accepted Christ as his savior and was reared in the Parkside United Methodist Church under the tutelage of Rev. Calvin R. Woods. Shortly after graduation in 1969, David married his high school sweetheart, Patricia Washington, and from this union 2 beautiful twin daughters were born – Anissa and Tanise. This union ultimately ended in 1976.

In 1981, while shopping in the Jefferson Ward department store, David found his soulmate and the love of his life. He was instantly attracted to the store cashier, Dianne Williams. As the debonair gentleman he was, David asked a surprising question, “do you have the habit of eating?” Unphased, and not to be taken off guard by his approach, Dianne responded “of course.” David, “Filet mignon?” Dianne, “I prefer lobster.” And with that moment, David began a relentless pursuit that led to a wonderful journey of life together. They settled in Mount Laurel, NJ and married in 1995. Three years later, in 1998, their beloved son, David Earl, was born.

At a very young age David had a passion for baseball. Helping young people learn to play and understand the sport was important to him. Residing in the Parkside section of the city of Camden, NJ, David established his own baseball team and wittingly named it the “Belle Kaighns” after two of the community’s major avenues. David loved the game and poured his love of the sport into the hearts of many youth. His passion to play and to teach continued throughout his life. For 38 years he umpired for Greentree and Mount Laurel Townships and Pinelands Umpire Association. He served as President of the Pinelands Umpires Association for 10 years. David nurtured many youth while he taught them about “the true game.” Spectators who watched him “ump” a game all knew his signature “Stee-RIKE!” call as it resonated across the ball field.

David was employed for 33 years as a Superintendent of Aluminum Shapes Incorporated, an aluminum fabrication corporation in Delran, NJ. He retired in 2003.

Always creative, David taught himself the art of videography and started his own business, Hyman Video Productions (HVP). Through this enterprise, he and Dianne captured the most precious moments of weddings and special occasions for hundreds of clients. If you were fortunate enough to be a client, you would agree that his work created precious memories filled with love and creativity. After more than 20 years, David retired the business and went on to be certified as a security officer and was employed with Innovative Investigations (currently PDMS Protection Services) until his death. He was truly a tenacious provider for his family.

David loved his family and friends and took great joy in seeing others have a great time. He and Dianne hosted annual 4th of July BBQ’s for 40 consecutive years. Numerous children learned to swim in the Hyman family pool. An admirable chess player, he won national chess championships in his younger years.

David shared a special bond with his son David Earl who excelled in martial arts. Valuable, precious time was spent bonding while traveling the world as David Earl competed in numerous tournaments. His dedication and commitment as a father were recognized by many and he was awarded “Martial Arts Father of the Year” by the North American Federation of Martial Arts (NAFMA) in 2015.

A true, old-school gentleman, chivalry was not dead in David’s eyes. He believed no woman should ever have to pay for her meal and was fanatical about escorting a woman from the curbside of the sidewalk. He loved jazz and various artists including Al Jarreau, The Persuasions, Gil Scott-Heron, The Temptations and of course Phyllis Hyman. He was the smoothest, sharpest Cha-Cha dancer on the floor. From his swagger walk, to his custom monogramed shirts, cufflinks (suit and tie being a must), and with a splash of Antaeus cologne, his huge presence and radiant aura overtook any room. David’s lasting impression will linger forever.

Later in life, David rededicated himself to Christ. He was the honorary president of the Mount Calvary Covenant Keepers ministry. And while David’s person will never again be seen on this earth, we rest in the knowledge that to be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord.

David was preceded in death by his parents James and Henrietta Hyman, father-in-law Ralph Williams, brother- in- law Cornelius Stewart, nephew Anthony Stewart and dear friend/”homeboy” James Massey. He leaves to cherish his memory, and carry on his legacy, his beloved wife Dianne and son David Earl Hyman. Daughters - Anissa Parker (Darryl) and Tanise Hyman, sister Shirley Stewart, brother, Dr. James Hyman (Patricia), youngest brother Donald Brooks, 5 grandchildren: Elwood Veney Jr. (Bridgette), Adrian Veney, Vennasia Veney, Julia Mathis, and Kailen Mathis and 10 great-grandchildren. Nephews: Kevin Stewart, Duane Stewart (Felicia) and Dr. Jarrod Hyman (Terri). Nieces: Diane Dixon (Tyrone), Vanessa Farley (William), Jessica Hyman, Dr. Jacqueline Hyman (Jessica) and Joelle Knox.

In-laws: His beloved mother-in-love Evelyn Williams, (whom he affectionately called Mrs. Williams), sisters-in-law - Dorothy Johnson, Dr. Candy Williams, Leslye Williams and Alice “Tia” Williams. Brothers-in-law: Ralph Willaims, (Betty) and Jeffrey Williams. Nephews and nieces include Shane Johnson, Toya Gaines (Eric), Terrell Williams (Leigh), Shantae Crawford (Kevin), Ashleigh Stout (Kyle), Kandace Williams, Jamirra Jenkins (Justin), and Erica and Eric Muse.

He also loved his special brother/friend/”homeboy”- Dwight Cass (Fran), sister-in-love Kim Williams, and special niece Ahna Donahue along with numerous great nieces, great nephews, cousins, extended family and friends.

David touched the lives of many and will be fondly remembered with humor, with grace, with dignity and class.

Rest well Sir David Arnold Hyman. A Life truly well lived!