Dave Byington

Dave Byington, 73, of Flowery Branch, Georgia, passed away June 29, 2025 at his home.

Dave was born May 31, 1952 in Allentown, Pennsylvania, beloved son of George R. Byington, Jr. and Julia (Spanitz) Byington. Raised predominantly in Allentown, he graduated (early) from Central Catholic High School of Sacred Heart Parish in 1969. He zealously played right guard on the football team, and the school retired his number (36) after graduation in honor of his many achievements on the field.

After graduation, Dave had a brief stint at a Catholic seminary but then decided to pursue other life's work. He spent his entire career in the furniture industry, working on a team that opened dozens of Levitz Furniture stores across the country, and serving as Marketing Manager for many years at the Levitz store in Langhorne PA. That's where he met his beloved wife of nearly 48 years, Carol (Meyer) Byington. He also helped run several other furniture stores over the years, including Barney Daleys Furniture and Bellmawr Furniture (where he won the Retailer of the Year award in 1983 from the Delaware Valley Home Furnishings Association). He was also the owner of his own furniture store in Vineland NJ for a few years. Later in his career, he was a wholesale sales representative for many furniture manufacturers, including Bell Furniture Industries, Cramco Dinettes, and several others. He maintained his relationship with Cramco and the beloved personnel there even well into his semi-retirement. An engaging salesman and a consummate "people person," he formed lasting friendships throughout his territories and pursued some fun mischief with his colleagues and housemates at furniture markets in High Point NC, Tupelo MS, and Las Vegas NV. We are sure those stories will continue to be told with a smile by those remaining.

Dave was a proud member, supporter, and past President of the Winslow Township Lions Club - serving the sight-impaired community, honoring veterans, and supporting students with college scholarships. He also achieved and served as a 32nd degree Freemason at Blue Lodge 776 of Fairless Hills PA. He maintained lifelong friendships with many individuals from both those groups.

After semi-retiring, and never one to enjoy cold weather, Dave and Carol began spending more winters in Florida with his many campground friends, playing the accordion and singing at evening jam sessions (and drinking a beer or two) around the campfire. Eventually, he and Carol settled in their home in Flowery Branch GA for full retirement, less driving, and to be closer to their son and grandson. Ever wanting to stay engaged with fun business pursuits and his love of music, Dave also became a partner in Seven Continent Publishing, LLC with his family and friends. Being involved in music publishing and interacting with professional musicians gave him great joy.

His friends, family and colleagues all considered Dave to be the life of the party, the one to bring a smile to everyone's faces. He was goofy at times, self-deprecating, when necessary, but always entertaining and vocal. Dave will be remembered for his many (often outlandish) stories. He was a thorough planner and meticulous organizer, relishing in the opportunity to put together big gatherings, events, and family celebrations - always with twice as much food and drink as needed.

Being an only child, family meant everything to Dave. He was very close to his parents, and all of his aunts and uncles and cousins throughout the Allentown area. He was devoted to Carol - they were inseparable - and he was a very proud Dad and BoPop. His kids and grandkids are all left with a hole in their hearts, but with many smiles, life lessons, and wonderful memories.

In addition to his wife Carol, Dave is survived by his three children - Lisa of Denver CO, Carl of Buford GA, and Monica (and William) Humphrey of Reading PA - and by his grandchildren Connor, Eric, and Olivia.

Dave would want all who remember and love him to raise a glass, toast to the wonderful shared memories, turn the music up loud, and sing along! Ein Prosit!! Services will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers or other gifts to the family, donations in his honor would be gratefully appreciated at organizations he loved and supported - Winslow Township Lions Club and The Wild Animal Sanctuary (which rescues the tigers Dave so loved). Alternatively, please consider donating to any organization devoted to US Veterans or Cancer recovery in Dave's memory.

Many thanks and with love from the Byington Clan, extended family, and Dave's cadre of lifelong and newer friends.