Charles Byers

CHARLES BYERS
DIED AUG. 5, 2010

DARLINGTON, S.C.-Charles Aubrey Byers, 73, died Aug. 05, 2010, in a local hospital after a long illness. Burial will follow at the Florence Memorial Gardens with military honors.
Born July 25, 1937 in Grover, N.C., he was the eldest son of the late Aubrey Gilmore Byers and the late Ruth Malone Byers. He attended Grover High School and Limestone College, then spent four years in radar maintenance for the United States Air Force. He received an Associate degree from Florence-Darlington Technical College, and subsequently became the head of the Aircraft Maintenance Department. He was a Designated Maintenance Examiner for the F.A.A. His students affectionately called him "Mr. B". He was very proud of his students and enjoyed hearing from them through the years.
Survived by his wife, the former Beverly Turner, Charles and Beverly celebrated fifty years of marriage on Feb. 5, 2010. Charles touched many lives with his beautiful tenor voice. At the young age of 12, he sang in his parents' gospel quartet. He performed solos from "The Messiah" many times, including performances at Limestone College and Clemson University. He sang for many weddings, church services and special events. Both music majors in college, Charles and Beverly sang for lay renewals and re-corded three albums of Christian music.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Byers is survived by four children: Charles Aubrey "Chet" and wife Nancy Byers, II of Acworth, Ga., Robyn B. Hoffmeyer of Florence, S.C., Michael Darrin and wife Andrea Byers of Moreland, Ga., and Karyn B. and husband Patrick Gabbey of Beaufort, S.C.; fourteen grandchildren: Chris and wife Allison Byers of Asheville, N.C., Taylor Dee Byers of Landrum, S.C., Bryson Byers-Cutrer of Waco, Texas, Nicholas and wife Sabrina Kilmer of San Antonio, Texas, Linda and husband David Barnes of Valdosta, Ga., Stacy Hoffmeyer and Brandon Hoffmeyer of Florence, S.C., Brittany Byers of Atlanta, Ga. and Brandi Byers of Columbia, S.C., Amanda E. and husband David Patch of Camp Lejuene, N.C., Ryan Eagle of Moreland, Ga., Brooke Gab-bey, Beth Gabbey and Joshua Gabbey of Beaufort, S.C.; three great-grandchildren: Abram Barnes and Alivia Barnes of Valdosta, Ga. and Hailey Byers of Asheville, N.C., Two brothers: Kenneth (Ann) Byers of Gaffney, S.C. and Gary and wife Martha Byers of Grover, N.C.; a brother-in-law Charles "Chuck" and wife Jutta Turner of Greeley, Colo., a sister-in-law, Marilyn T. and husband Bob Sieli of Salem, Mont. and a nephew, Kurt Salaman of Portland, Ore., Pallbearers will be Chris Byers, Brandon Hoffmeyer, Ryan Eagle, Patrick Gabbey, Barry Cook and Ruel Thain.
Visitation: The family will receive friends, Saturday, Aug. 7, 5-7 p.m. Belk Funeral Home and other times at the home of Charles and Beverly, 205 Pinewood Drive, Darlington, S.C.
Funeral: Sunday, Aug. 8, 2 p.m., Chapel of Belk Funeral Home
Officiated by: Rev. Mike Mills and music will be provided by Ann Miles.
Memorials: Donations may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Funeral home: Belk Funeral Home is serving the family.
Online condolences: www.belkfuneralhome.com