Garland Byers, Sr.

On March 15th, 2022, Garland Franklin Byers, Sr., went home to be with the Lord and the many friends and family who have passed before him. Mr. Byers set off on this journey in his childhood home, the same house in which he was born on July 12th, 1931.

Mr. Byers was the beloved patriarch of the family and a well-known member of the community. It is impossible to capture the breadth of his life in a few words because in his ninety years, Mr. Byers dedicated himself to many different roles. He was an umpire for a local baseball league, an original founder of the Chase Corner Ministries, and a mail carrier for the United States Postal Service; he was a brick mason, a teacher, and a farmer. In each of these roles, Mr. Byers devoted his time and enviable work ethic, leaving a legacy of Christian service, honesty, and compassion that will be a model for generations to come.

Garland will be remembered for more than his professional and service roles. His loved ones will remember him for being a kind, soft-spoken man who always knew the right words to say, especially during times of crisis when the younger ones turned to him for guidance. In his unwavering patience and generosity, Mr. Byers taught his family the value of being outside, in the sun, and appreciating that every living creature has a purpose and merit. He taught us the importance of family, of coming together to support one another. He had an impeccable memory, which allowed him to tell the best stories and relate the lessons of an earlier time. He will be remembered also as an intelligent man with a sense of curiosity that compelled him to read and learn even as he grew older. Despite a lifetime of hard work and years of watching his closest loved ones pass on, Mr. Byers remained a gentle and humble man whose legacy of loving- kindness will continue in the world long after he is gone.

Garland was the youngest son of the late Willie Young Byers and Claudia Lancaster Byers. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of seventy years, Helen Cannon Byers. Garland was the last member of his generation, being predeceased by: Arcenia Byers Price Carver, William Paul Byers, Eunice Byers Kelly, Perry J. Byers, Amos Bruner Byers, James Lloyd Byers, Morris J. Byers, and Walter L. “Slick” Byers.

Garland is survived by his daughter Susan Byers Williams (Russell), his son Garland Franklin Byers, Jr.  Grandchildren: Amber Byers Digh (Melvin); Russ Williams (Danielle), Wes Byers (Amanda), and Connor Byers. Great-grandchildren: Carleigh Williams, Bryndle Digh, Brayden Williams, Avery “Little Shark” Digh and Audrey Cait Williams; sister-in-law Lucille Byers Roberson. Garland is survived also by over one hundred nephews and nieces.

The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at the Caroleen United Methodist Church with Reverend Roy Byers and Reverend Greg Dickens officiating. Interment will follow at the Byers Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 pm on Friday at the funeral home.