William “Joel” Byars, 78 of Nesmith Community, entered into rest on October 19, 2013 at his residence surrounded by his loving family.
Joel was born on March 10, 1935 in Cullman, Alabama. He farmed for many years and logged with horses. He played and sang bluegrass music all of his life. He never met a stranger. He always had a smile on his face and loved to have a good time. He always had a joke and a story to tell everybody. He was a well known musician under a shade tree and on stage. Bluegrass music was a huge part of his life. He loved picking music with family, friends, and especially his grandchildren.
Visitation will be held on Monday, October 21, 2013 from 6-8pm at Nichols Funeral Home in Addison, where services will be held on Tuesday, October 22 at 1pm. Brother Kyle Woodard and Brother Josh Sparkman will officiate. Burial will be in Byars Family Cemetery in the White Oak Community.
He is survived by his wife of almost 57 years, Shelby Cutcher Byars; daughters, Judith (Michael) Bartlett, Tammy Givens (Rick Baker); brother, James (Mildred) Byars; sisters, Frances Peak, Willene Allison; he was “Pawpaw Joey” to two grandchildren, Makala Bartlett (Jesse) Turner and Scotty Givens.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Byars; mother, Sarah Hardin Byars, and sister, Melva Byars Hood.
1 comment
When I was about 14 years old I worked for Mr Joel and Ms Shelby’s father plowing soybeans and corn (500 acres) and raising hogs. He and Ms Shelby treated me like family, feed me at their table and accepted as one of their own. I remember having extra energy at the end of the day to spend playing with the children. We lived across the road from Will and Sarah Byars (Mr Joel’s Parents) in a rent house. I also helped Bro. Will farm watermelons, make Syrup and haul cedar posts. I can still hear Sis Sarah talking about “the little neighbors” and cooking on her wood stove. This was all too short lived, as me, my dad (a preacher) and mom moved back to Louisiana (our home state).
I would like to get in touch with some of the family after bout 47? years. If I could get Ms Shelby address, Maybe I could write to her. Sorry I waited so long and missed Mr. Joel.
David Hilbun