Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Oscar Byrnside Obituary
0. J. proudly served his country for three years in the U. S. Marine Corps and was a Marine at heart until his death. He graduated from Concord College, Athens, WV, earned a Master's degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA and completed his PhD degree at Ohio State University, Columbus, OH. While continuing his education, he began his career teaching high school in Danville, VA, where he also coached the basketball team. He advanced his career on the collegiate level teaching at Lonwood College in Farmville, VA, and spent a year in the West Virginia State Department of Education, Charleston, WV. After completing his education at Ohio State, O.J. served as the Executive Director of the National Business Education Association in Reston, VA, remaining in that position for over 20 years. He also served as the Director of Finance and Administration for the American School Food Service Association (now School Nutrition Association), in Alexandria, VA, for over 10 years before retiring to Melbourne, FL, in 2003.
0. J. was predeceased by his parents, the Rev. Oscar Jehu Byrnside, Sr. and Eula Bayliss Byrnside. He is survived by his loving wife, Patricia Ann Oxley Byrnside; sister, Justine Byrnside; adopted sister, Shirley Wagner; daughters, Barbara Ann Paris Rafael, Brenda Gail Wren, and Bethany Lynne Byrnside; grandchildren, Jennifer Lynn Wren Freund, Erin Ann Paris, Christopher Stephen Wren, Andrew Lloyd Timothy Wren, Justin Robert Paris, Heather Leighanne Wren, Casey Lynne Rafael, Caitlyn Rose Rafael; and great-grandchildren, Zachary John Swisher, Erin Elizabeth Lyles, Emma Lynn Peters, Zen William Sabolesky, and Leah Marie Gist.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Davis-Seawinds Funeral Home in Melbourne, FL. Out of town arrangements are under the direction of Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton, WV.
Funeral services will be held Friday morning at Athens Baptist Church, Athens, WV, and O.J. will be laid to rest in the Athens Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer's Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Oscar Byrnside
October 4, 2011
Dear Pat,
I am so sorry for your loss - our loss. OJ was so special and left an indelible mark on all of us who were touched by his good humor and dedication and loyalty to SNA. I'm so glad he was part of my life. He made the challenges of my year as president so much easier! I"m thinking of you.
Marilyn Hurt
Dorothy caldwell
October 1, 2011
Dear Pat,
You and your family have my most sincere sympathy.
The first of many OJ memories is of his immersing me in the Association finances when I was SNA treasurer and he had just joined the staff. His generous sharing of keen observations, knowledge and good stories laid the foundation for our move from Denver and served as bedrock during decades ahead. You were a wonderful team and both of you were helpful beyond measure during my time as SNA and SNF president. May your memories of the vital role you played in SNA as well as the lives of staff and volunteers whom you graciously mentored surround you like a warm blanket in the days ahead.
Phyllis Griffith
September 30, 2011
Dear Pat,
My deepest sympathy to you and your family. OJ lived life in a beautiful way, and was a dear friend to so many of us in SNA. He was like a ray of sunshine in the room keeping all of us upbeat, and was there with wise counsel when things got a little sticky! You and OJ helped me in so many ways, and always with a smile. It was a pleasure to see you and OJ together, always enjoying each other's company, and so considerate and respectful of each other.
My thoughts and prayers for strength, comfort and peace are with you.
September 30, 2011
Pat and family, When I received the news of OJ's death, my mind was filled with a flood of memories from those years when the two of you guided me through so many things during my service as President of SNA and my time of preparation for that year. OJ was always there when I needed him and sometimes he knew I need help before he did. OJ was always calm in the most stressful situations and his keen sense of humor always put things in perspective. Pat, you and OJ were a wonderful team and I am grateful that my life was touched by you all. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers in the months ahead. With love and prayers, Lib McPherson
Paula Cockwell
September 29, 2011
Dear Pat and family - I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I will always remember Pat and OJ as special people in my life. OJ's smile riding around on the cart at ANC was the first picture in my mind. Please know that you are all in my prayers. - Paula Cockwell (Colorado)
Carolyn DeCarbo
September 29, 2011
Dear Pat and family,
How sorry I am to learn of the loss of your Father and husband. What a treasure he was and how deep must be the pain at his loss.
I only knew OJ professionally through the School Nutrition Association from the "Parade of States" to quiet, correct, concise advise to a state president and later treasurer. I can still remember the thrills of the parade of states as an observer and later participant. The "pomp and circumstance" of the event was never the same without him. I still rely on some of the advise he gave me as a treasurer and often think "Oh I wish OJ were still available to help me" with this challenge or another as I try to help the NJSNA in retirement.
May the love of God surround you and bring you comfort until you are reunited.
Sicerely,
Carolyn Lane DeCarbo
September 28, 2011
Pat and family: What a sad day for all when we heard of OJ's passing - what a guy he was! Those of us at the School Nutrition Association just didn't make a move until we saw the twinkle in his eye - then it was ok! If he turned and walked away - we were in trouble (or he thought)!! He helped me so many times as I served in the leadership of the organization, and yes, I loved his silly jokes and great stories! What an honor that he served his country and was so proud of that. Enjoy those "OJ" stories for years to come and we will always remember what a super friend we had in him. All my prayers - Karen Johnson in Arizona
Tab Forgac
September 28, 2011
Pat and family -- I am truly saddened to hear that OJ has passed away. Fond memories of attending ASFSA and then SNA conferences with OJ at the helm will be cherished. We will keep you in our prayers. Tab Forgac, National Dairy Council
Jeri Lynn Boren
September 28, 2011
Dearest Pat & Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time. OJ holds a very special place in my heart. He was a teacher, jokester, and just like a second father to me. I know that he will be missed terribly, but I know that he is up there telling Dad all the good jokes now. I love you so much.
Jeri Lynn Boren, Trudy Marshall, Tracy Dellbringge (Arnold, MO)
American Heart Association
September 28, 2011
May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.
Gary/Donna Jenkins
September 27, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
September 27, 2011
Our thoughts and Prayers are with you all. May God hold you in his arms and comfort you during this time.
God Bless !
Joe and Sadie Buck
Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results
Make a Donation
in Oscar Byrnside's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Oscar Byrnside
How to support Oscar's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Oscar Byrnside's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
