J. Michael O'Byrne

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of J. Michael O'Byrne of Spotsylvania, Virginia, who joined his Savior in Heaven, unexpectedly, on August 9, 2025, at the age of 71. Though Mike is with his Savior in Heaven, his legacy endures - a legacy of love, service, and devotion that will continue to bless the lives of family and friends in the darkest of hours.

Mike was born in Richlands, Virginia to Kyle and Lora Mae O'Byrne where he often returned to spend time with his many relatives. His family moved to the Fredericksburg area when he was a child. He graduated from Fauquier High School and, as a teenager, began working for Smith-Midland Corporation in Fauquier County, working up to become assistant manager. Afterwards, he began an award-winning and multifaceted, 30-year career with General Motors (GM) Corporation in Fredericksburg, received a Bachelor's in Business Management from Mary Washington College, and a Master's in Systems Management from Capital College, before eventually retiring as Quality Manager for the plant. He was an expert on all aspects of the manufacturing process, trusted to travel around the country and ensure quality products from GM suppliers for his company. He was even entrusted to be the final caretaker of his former plant, returning to General Motors to assist in its sale and disassembly.

While enjoying his retirement, Mike often used his curious nature to research and complete many projects. His expertise was a wealth of knowledge on many subjects and made him invaluable to his family and friends on just about any project. He would research to the end until he got the answer. We all feel at a loss. Who now can we ask about anything and get the answer? We always thought, "let's ask Michael," whenever we needed help.

Mike married Debby Beverly in 1979, after meeting at a dance and realizing he didn't need to research anymore to find the love of his life. They enjoyed a long, happy life together and were rarely apart from each other. He will always be adored by, and was a blessing to, his beloved wife. He is greatly loved by his daughter Shannon Jenkins, on whom the sun began to shine in his eyes when she was born. He was "Dodo" to his grandchildren, Emma McCullen, Lola McCullen, and Killian Jenkins. It is impossible to describe the depth of his calming nature as the foundation of his entire busy family. He was a gymnastics grandfather, baseball and football grandfather; confidant, cheerleader, and champion to each grandchild.

Behind only his family and God, Mike was a passionate outdoor sportsman, including fly fishing, hand-making lures for himself and others, hunting, training field dogs, and simply delighting in being surrounded by nature. He began his day with devotions, before going outside and working on his many projects. Mike walked unwaveringly in faith wherever he went, volunteering tirelessly at his church, alongside his grandson Killian.

A perpetual outdoorsman and loving servant to his family, it was fitting that Mike was quietly working on a project for his grandchildren, enjoying a beautiful and peaceful summer evening, when God called him home. When he finally got to meet his Savior face to face, Mike was assuredly embraced and told, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Mike is survived by his wife, daughter, grandchildren, his beloved sister, Pam Redgrave (Mike), and brother-in-law Lester Dodd. He will be greatly missed by his many nieces, nephews, and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, siblings Carain Labbe, Thomas O'Byrne, Constance Dodd (Lester), and niece Krystal Dodd.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 16th, 2025. The family will receive friends from 9:00-10:00 AM at the Salem Fields Community Church (11120 Gordon Rd. Fredericksburg, VA 22407), followed by funeral service at 10:00 am, with interment at Oak Hill Cemetery, and all are welcome to return for a luncheon at Salem Fields Community Church.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Salem Fields Community Church or Zoe Freedom Center.

A sympathy message to the family may be left on the memorial page of Jimmy Michael O'Byrne.