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John BYERS Obituary
74, of Largo, died on March 8, 2017, at the Sabal Palms Nursing Home, Largo. Born in Elizabeth, NJ, Dave moved to Florida in 1957 and graduated from Clearwater High School and the University of Florida, and he earned a master's degree from Florida State University. He attended Anona Methodist Church in Largo. Dave taught eighth grade U.S. History for 31 years at Kennedy Middle School in Clearwater. He was a member of the Pinellas Education Employees Retired, Florida, and the National Education Assn. Retired. He was the past president of the Tampa Bay Chapter of the National Railway Historical Society, and was inducted into the Clearwater High School Basketball Hall of Fame, where he was the public address announcer for the Tornado boys' basketball games. Dave loved teaching, basketball, trains, traveling, and White Castle hamburgers. He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Sarah. Neptune Society is in charge of arrangements. No formal memorial is planned at this time. Donations can be made to the American Cancer Society or Suncoast Hospice Foundation. Dave's family wishes to thank the Sabal staff and the Suncoast Hospice nurses who tenderly cared for Dave.
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Memories and Condolences
for John BYERS
Bernard Colpitts
February 3, 2022
I don't know what made me think of him today to look him up and was saddened to see this. He was my history teacher and his passion and care in his profession was not known to me then, but I realize how unique it was to be a part of. My best to his family. A special person.
Robert Jones
April 10, 2020
To the best teacher that I ever had. I will have see you again someday. I am so fortunate to have had you in my life. So many things changed me that 8th grade year. Thank you, even though it was 31 years ago, I will never forget.
Jeannette Ely-Grizzell
October 24, 2017
Such a great teacher, love him and "Miss Porter" too, he leave behind a legacy of well taught students, rest in peace Mr. Byers!
Starr Grizzell
October 24, 2017
Mr. Byers taught me to love history. His enthusiasm ( and slideshows) made a normally boring subject, fun and relatable! He will be missed. My love to his family and friends.
Debbie (Carroll) Parkhurst
June 11, 2017
My Byers embarrassed the tar out of Jeff Bomke & I. He was a great teacher & he will be missed!
Kay Russell-Carroll
March 22, 2017
It was with great sadness that I learned of Mr.Byers passing. He made history so much fun, and even singing was not too bad. He was an educator that got his students interested in History, and gave them me a life long interest in it. I am so sorry Mrs Byers, and hope that you feel joy that he made such a positive impact on several generations of students.
Walter Humphrey
March 15, 2017
Our most heartfelt sympathy for your loss.
Joan and Sandy Humphrey
Debbie Moore (Guest)
March 14, 2017
I am so sorry to hear about Mr. Byers death. He was one of my most favorite teachers at JFK. He made history fun and made learning so much easier. I have always admired him, even though it has been more than 43 years since I graduated from JFK. My deepest condolences for you Mrs. Sara Byers and to the entire family.
Daryl Achenbach
March 13, 2017
Cousin Sarah, I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Another light in the railroad tunnel of life extinguished way to early. Know our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Marla Tucker
March 12, 2017
I had Mr. Byers as a teacher many years ago as well as Miss Porter; at JFK middle school. He excelled as a teacher but even more important, he developed a great rapport with all the students. He was always smiling, friendly, and very kind. I remember that we always wanted Mr. Byers to marry Miss Porter. I've never forgotten either of you. With love and prayers, Marla Tucker
Margaret McMullen Michaels
March 12, 2017
Sarah,
I was so sorry to hear about Dave. You both were such wonderful teachers at Kennedy when I was a student and then to return and teach alongside you both was a special joy - getting to know you in a different light. Sending prayers your way.
Jean & Jim Melvin
March 12, 2017
Dear Sarah, we were so sorry to learn of Dave's passing. He was such a wonderful, happy person and such a joy to know. We loved seeing you and Dave at CHS basketball games. May you always know how much he was respected and loved by all who knew him.
Cathy Salustri
March 12, 2017
Please know how deeply his work impacted me and my future. He was a tremendous teacher, one who changed my life. I have so many fantastic memories of his class. I wish I had told him. My thoughts are with you.
Susan Hill-Lee
March 12, 2017
I always had a love of history because of Mr. Byers. His love of the subject was contagious.
Sandra Wood
March 12, 2017
Mr. Byers was such a great teacher. So kind, always smiling and made history interesting, which is an amazing feat since I normally didn't like it too much. I loved his class and I thought the world of him as a teacher. I am so sad to hear the news and my thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends. I hope you remember the fond memories and know that he touched so many lives for the better.
Jim Ewbank
March 11, 2017
Sarah, Cathy and I were saddened to learn of Dave's passing. We have such fond memories of our JFK days. We are remembering you in our thoughts and prayers.
Lindsay Bondurant
March 11, 2017
I fondly remember Mr. Byers history class at JFK nearly 30 years ago. He made it so much fun (loved the presidential campaign songs!), it sparked a lifelong love of American History for me. He was an incredibly kind man and a gifted educator. My thoughts are with your family.
Gary Rader
March 11, 2017
He was the best History teacher I ever had and really enjoyed his class. I always looked forward to learning something new from him. He was a great man and he was a fan of Chicago the musical group. Godspeed Sir!
Doris Carroza
March 11, 2017
Three of my four children had Mr. Byers as their teacher at JFK in the 60's & early 70's. They all remember him fondly and his interest in the Civil War battles. Teachers like him are responsible for their success in life.
Irving Batten
March 11, 2017
He was a great teacher that touched the lives of many. Love You Mr. Byers!
Jim Mehr Jr.
March 11, 2017
Mr. BYERS, was one of the greatest teachers ever!!! He was a great man. I learned so much more than just history from him, the love of learning. (Kennedy Middle School) one of the best. Rip
BILL MADSEN
March 10, 2017
MR BYERS WAS A VERY GOOD TEACHER HE MADE HISTORY CLASS FUN & INTERESTING.R.I.P.PRAYERS TO HIS FAMILY.
Sally Berthy
March 10, 2017
Hello Sarah, I was saddened to learn of Dave's passing. He fought the good fight with your loving support. I have fond memories of our shared love of music, especially Madrigals at CHS, and of our chats together at Anona UMC.
May God undergird you with his loving comfort and support as you walk through your time of grief.
With love and heartfelt sympathy,
Sally
PS...Sarah, remember that Anona has Stephen Ministers. If you request one, she would journey with you through your grief.
Terri Baker Estep
March 10, 2017
I fondly remember Mr. Byers love of the battles. He was truly one of my favorite teachers along with his wife, Mrs. Porter Byers. Mr Byers chose me to be Margaret for his Dennis the Menace cartoons. He made learning fun and interesting. My sincere sympathies to all who knew and loved him.
Aunt Sarah, Uncle Dave & Kerstin Devlin
Kerstin Devlin
March 10, 2017
Rest in peace, Uncle Dave. Miss you so much but have amazing memories to hold on to - my favorite being endless days of waterskiing on the bay and picnic lunches on the beach!
Cindy
March 10, 2017
Mr. Byers was one of the best teachers I ever had. He made learning history fun & interesting. Condolences to his family. May you RIP
Bill and Beth Fisher
March 10, 2017
With great sadness we learned the news this morning regarding the passing of Mr Byers. Our family sends big hugs to Sarah and hope that peace fills your heart soon knowing there is no longer pain and suffering, only rejoicing in Heaven.
I was one of the lucky students to have Mr. Byers teach me at Kennedy Middle school, as well as Mrs. Sarah Porter Byers Over the years it was great to get visits in at Clearwater High Sporting events and catch up on each other's lives. Clearwater and our community has lost a great man, a great history buff, a man full of integrity and zest for life. Rest in Peace Mr. Byers and thank you for all the memories and guidance.
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