Roger Jennings Byers, age 71

Roger Jennings Byers, age 71, of Rutherfordton, passed away Saturday, November 17, 2018.

Roger was born June 11, 1947 in Rutherford County and was the son of the late Reverend Morris J. Byers and Frances Tate Byers. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Germany during the Vietnam War. Roger worked as a General Construction Contractor and for the Department of Corrections for many years. Most recently, he retired as a Masonary Instructor at Chase High School. Roger was a faithful member of Caroleen United Methodist Church where he served in many leadership positions, which included the Chairman of the Church Trustees. He was an avid outdoorsman and also served as Scout Master for Troop #137 for forty-six years. He was a devoted member of the Over Mountain Victory Trail Association.

The family asks that you remember Roger as he lived. A real cowboy at heart. He was a man who loved his family and friends, who honored his word and was dedicated to his craft. He took pleasure in the simple things in life, like the feel of a well-made tool in his hand, a crisp fall day, a loyal dog, or a playful cat. Roger had a passion for colonial history and though it was often said that he was born 200 years too late, he left us far too soon.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving wife of fifty-one years, Emily Conner Byers; two sons, Clinton Edward Byers and wife, Kerry of Boone, and Garrett Russell Byers of Ellenboro; two sisters, Sybil Wells and husband, Jim of Caroleen and Claudia Byers of Forest City; brother, Reverend Roy Tate Byers and wife, Janis of Shelby; two grandsons. He is also survived by his uncle, Garland Byers and wife, Helen of Forest City and aunt, Lucille Roberson also of Forest City and a number of nieces and nephews.

The funeral service was conducted at the Caroleen United Methodist Church. Burial followed in Rutherford County Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are suggested to Caroleen United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 187, Caroleen, NC 28019.

Harrelson Funeral and Cremation Services is serving the family.