Rev. Byron Flory Jr.

Family-Placed Obituary

FLORY, Rev. Byron M. Jr., Age 78, of Beavercreek, passed away on Saturday, July 21, 2007, at Miami Valley Hospital. He was born May 22, 1929 in Ping Ding Chow, China to missionary parents Byron M. Flory, Sr. and Nora Phillips Flory. Byron was educated in Virginia, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bridgewater College in 1950, his Bachelor of Divinity from Bethany Theological Seminary, Chicago, in 1953, and his Master of Sacred Theology from United Theological Seminary, Dayton, in 1969. Byron earned his Doctor of Ministry from Bethany Theological Seminary in 1983. Byron was pastor of three Church of the Brethren congregations in Maryland; the Beavercreek, Ohio Church of the Brethren for 22 years; and the Waynesboro, Virginia, Church of the Brethren for seven years. He retired to Beavercreek after 41 years of full-time pastoral service but continued serving on an interim basis at the West Alexandria, Brookville, and Prince of Peace (Kettering) Churches of the Brethren. Byron was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Verna Ruth Sanger; brother, Wendell P. Flory; and twin brother, Daniel C. Flory II. He is survived by his loving wife of almost 55 years, Betty Lew (Poling); daughter and her husband, Kristin Flory (Andreas Zumach), of Geneva, Switzerland; son, Kevin Flory, of Alice Springs, Australia; sister, Mirna Wolfe, of Parkton, MD; sister-in-law, Marie Flory, of Bridgewater, VA; sister-in-law, Nancy Flory, of Trotwood; and many more relatives and friends. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the medical staff in the Intensive Care Unit and Advanced Care Unit at Miami Valley Hospital for Byron's wonderful care and loving support over the past 12 weeks, and also to Dr. Marl Collins for the many years of care. A memorial celebration of Byron's life and ministry will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 3, 2007 at the Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren, 800 E. David Rd., Kettering, OH 45429. The family will receive friends from 10-11:00 AM or following the service. Arrangements in care of TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-BEAVERCREEK CHAPEL. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to the Prince of Peace Church of the Brethren Memorial Fund or Bethany Theological Seminary, Richmond, IN.