Luther Hoyte of Donelson, TN passed away September 20, 2012 at home. He was preceded in death by his parents, Luther L. Eakes and Myrtle Smith Eakes, a brother A. R. (Red) Eakes, sisters Mildred Harrison, Helen Sullivan, and Maxie Williams. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Jane Baldwin Eakes, daughter Laurie Eakes Ford (Scott), grandson Nathan Mills (April), granddaughters Maria Mauthe (Josh) and Natalie Hargrove (Billy), 5 great grandchildren, brother Smith H. Eakes (Edna), and sister Lavonia Tooker of New Jersey. Hoyte was a 1948 graduate of East Nashville High School. He retired as a Master Sgt. after 23 years service with the Tennessee National Guard as Drum Major of the 30th Division band. He owned and operated Super Drive-Ins, Inc. (SDI Markets) for 25 years. He was a founding member and member of the Board of Directors for the Tennessee Grocers Association. After selling SDI, he spent his full time with his love of Tennessee Walking horses, winning numerous championships and was inducted into the Walking Horse Hall of Fame. He loved showing. He loved winning. He loved owning good horses. He loved Jane, Laurie and all the children. Pall bearers were James Ray (Jimmy) Eakes, Wayne Harrison, Billy Coleman, Josh Mauthe, Billy Hargrove, and Joaquin Gaspar. Honorary pall bearers were The Burger King Breakfast Club, Del Pirtle, David Smith, Dr. Charlie Smith, Butch Moreland, Burney Brown, Sonny Holt, Judy Martin, Richard Wall, Billy Gray, David Herbert, Tom White, and James Carr. Services were officiated by nephews Rev. Michael Williams and Phillip Eakes.The family request donations to the Special Olympics and Alive Hospice in lieu of flowers. Funeral services were held Monday, September 24, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.in Woodlawn’s Dignity Hall.