Howard Elmer Byerly

Howard. Byerly, 100, of Thomasville graduated from earth and went to meet Jesus Christ, his best friend, on June 8 2010. Mr Byerly was born on May 25, 1910 to Will Byerly and Lujeannie Medlin Byerly. His wife Anno Mae Byerly graduated to Heaven on September 10, 2001.

There are so many wonderful ways to describe Howard Byerly’s life, but only one stands the test of time. He allowed God to use him, without question, his entire life. He understood that his life was bought with a price, that price is Jesus. He diligently sought God until his last breath was taken. His life was a direct reflection of what the Christian faith represents, love. He lived his life with the love of others as his first priority. Everyone that crossed his path was touched by his compassionate spirit and encouraged by the love radiating from his smile. Being around him made you strive to be a better person. Without question there was something different about this man, and the difference was Jesus living through him. He lived his life by faith and passed away with faith in the promises of God. He proved that formal education does not necessarily make a man wise. A man with zero formal education graduated and received the ultimate degree.

Mr. Byerly was truly a blessing to each person that heard his prayers on the radio ministry he assisted with for many years. He was also an inspiration to the members of Blessings Baptist Church where he attended in Thomasville.

Surviving are his daughters, Shirley Loftin and husband Donald, Carolyn Bumgarner; grandsons Steve Loftin and Landis Bumgarner; and great grandchildren, Whitney Freeman, Josh Loftin, and Luke Bumgarner.

The family will receive friends Friday, June 11, 2010 from 7:00 - 9:00 PM at Thomasville Funeral Home. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, June 12th at Thomasville Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverends Pete Bumgarner, Hillis Burton, Jeff Burton, and Ronnie Kendrick officiating. Interment will follow at Holly Hill Memorial Park.