James Byars, Sr., 83

James Byars, Sr., 83, of Mooresboro, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, March 6, 2024.

Born in Shelby, NC, he was the son of the late William Shell Byars and Vernie McSwain Byars. He retired from the U. S. Army after 23 years of service, also retired from the Rutherford County Department of Corrections and the Rutherford County Sheriff's Department. He was a member of Lavonia Baptist Church.

Surviving is a son, James Lewis Byars, Jr. of Oregon; a daughter, Stacey Byars Glover of Mooresboro; a brother, Shell Byars, Jr. (Rene) of Blacksburg; a sister, Margie McGuire (Steve) of Mooresboro; nine grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Fae M. Childs and sisters, Patsy Blanton, Sylvia Lee Byars and Edith North.

Funeral services were held March 11 at Lavonia Baptist Church with Rev. David Slaton and Rev. Tripp Biggerstaff officiating. Interment, with full military honors, will be in the Lavonia Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Shriner Children's Hospital, 950 West Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605.

An online guest register is available at www.blakelyfuneralhome.com.