In Memory of
Elvin "Joe"
Byars
Byars
1937 - 2015
Memorial Candle Tribute From
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home & Crematory
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Obituary for Elvin "Joe" Byars
Lake Toxaway – Elvin “Joe” Byars, 77, was called Home on Wednesday, November 11, 2015.
Joe was the son of the late Anderson Clifford and Florence Victoria Reid Byars. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Galloway Byars; brothers, David, Ray and Arville Byars and grandson Gregory Elvin Byars, Jr.
Joe is best known for his love of music and unpredictable humor. Joe has played, taught and composed music for more than 72 years. Of those 72 years he spent 30 years as the lead vocalist/guitarist for the family gospel group, Joe Byars and The Lamplighters. He is considered an Ambassador for bluegrass, gospel and country music. He touched the hearts of many from his time on stage at The Grand Ole Opry to the ten years he and Mary lived and played music in Germany. He was a music mentor to many and played professionally with the Stanley Brothers and many other legends. Although music was an important part of his life, above all he loved and adored his family.
He leaves to cherish his memory: Gregory E. Byars and wife Katherine of Lake Toxaway; daughters, Mary Rosietta Byars Wilson and husband Ricky of Conway, SC; Marina Victoria Byars Curto and husband Donnie of Lake Toxaway; eleven grandchildren and their spouses; many great grandchildren and several foster children.
A Celebration Music Jam in honor of Joe’s home-going will be held 5pm Friday, November 13, 2015 at Balsam Grove Community Center. The family requests that friends bring their musical instruments and a covered dish to share.
Funeral Services will be held 2pm, Sunday, November 15, 2015 at Moody-Connolly Funeral Home with the Revs. Ricky Wilson, Richard Wilson, Mac Simmons and Ray Von Galloway officiating. Burial will follow in Mack McCall Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joe Byars family.
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory are caring for the family.
Joe was the son of the late Anderson Clifford and Florence Victoria Reid Byars. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lou Galloway Byars; brothers, David, Ray and Arville Byars and grandson Gregory Elvin Byars, Jr.
Joe is best known for his love of music and unpredictable humor. Joe has played, taught and composed music for more than 72 years. Of those 72 years he spent 30 years as the lead vocalist/guitarist for the family gospel group, Joe Byars and The Lamplighters. He is considered an Ambassador for bluegrass, gospel and country music. He touched the hearts of many from his time on stage at The Grand Ole Opry to the ten years he and Mary lived and played music in Germany. He was a music mentor to many and played professionally with the Stanley Brothers and many other legends. Although music was an important part of his life, above all he loved and adored his family.
He leaves to cherish his memory: Gregory E. Byars and wife Katherine of Lake Toxaway; daughters, Mary Rosietta Byars Wilson and husband Ricky of Conway, SC; Marina Victoria Byars Curto and husband Donnie of Lake Toxaway; eleven grandchildren and their spouses; many great grandchildren and several foster children.
A Celebration Music Jam in honor of Joe’s home-going will be held 5pm Friday, November 13, 2015 at Balsam Grove Community Center. The family requests that friends bring their musical instruments and a covered dish to share.
Funeral Services will be held 2pm, Sunday, November 15, 2015 at Moody-Connolly Funeral Home with the Revs. Ricky Wilson, Richard Wilson, Mac Simmons and Ray Von Galloway officiating. Burial will follow in Mack McCall Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Joe Byars family.
Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com
Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory are caring for the family.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Elvin "Joe" Byars, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.
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