OBITUARY
Bryon Lee Malphurs
October 27, 1945 – January 12, 2021
After a 19 month battle with brain cancer, Bryon Lee Malphurs, 75, died Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at home.
A private service will be held at the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Columbarium. A celebration of Bryon’s life will be held at a later date when it is safe to do so.
Bryon was born October 27, 1945, son of the late Delma Lee and Elsie May Malphurs. He graduated from The University of South Florida with a Bachelors in Business Administration and from Florida State University with a Masters of Public Administration. He retired in 2004 after 32 years with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. He was the Director of the Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity division.
Bryon was the 1972-1973 State Director for the State of North Carolina Special Olympics Organization. He served on the Board of Head Start for the City of Greensboro. Bryon helped to resettle refugees and served meals at the Potter’s House.
He was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Greensboro. Bryon worked for several years as the director of Acolytes at Holy Trinity as well as All Saints Episcopal Church. Bryon was an active member of the Cursillo movement helping to introduce it to the Episcopal Diocese of NC.
Bryon is survived by his loving wife, Lorraine Brusdeilins Malphurs. They celebrated 45 years of marriage this past December 20th. Also left to cherish his memory are his in-laws, Carol Ann, Regina and John; his nephew and nieces, Christopher, Jennifer, Erica, Sophia and great nephews and great nieces, Liam, Thomas, Grace, Sydney and Julia and his brothers, Charles and David.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 607 North Greene Street, Greensboro, NC 27401, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to the Tim and Carolyn Rice Center for Child and Adolescent Health, 301 East Wendover Avenue, Suite 400, Greensboro, NC 27401.
Hanes Lineberry North Elm Chapel is honored to assist the Malphurs family. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.
DONATIONS
-
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church
607 North Greene Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27401
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Bryon Lee Malphurs
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYDwight Hale
January 22, 2021
Mary and I miss Bryon for a myriad of reasons. He was a voice of reason and a man of understated but boundless action for those in need.
From meeting him at Colonial HS in Orlando, FL and continuing through our college years at the University of South Florida we enjoyed a friendship that encompassed a heartfelt bond for each other’s joys and tribulations that accompany life.
Kim & Jerry Jackson
January 21, 2021
I first met Bryon shortly after Lorraine did. Lorraine moved to Greensboro in 1973 to begin her teaching career. She was attracted to the quiet, dignified gentleman she saw at a party and introduced herself to Bryon.
From Day One, Bryon always demonstrated his appreciation and admiration for Lorraine. He was always a gentleman. Bryon took the time to compliment his wife on her appearance, outfit, dinner, everything - every day.
Although he was a reticent man, Bryon showed a genuine interest in others’ accomplishments and activities. He was truly caring.
Bryon used to drive an elderly woman to Mass for many years. He volunteered his time to assist the priest at weekday Mass.
Bryon loved the outdoors. He loved gardening and spending time with nature. He learned everything he could about growing Christmas trees to prepare for his tree farm. Bryon would work for hours on his land, and he could also sit for hours enjoying the sounds and sights of nature surrounding him.
This was the first Christmas holiday we celebrated without Bryon and Lorraine. Heaven has definitely gained an angel.
Carolyn and Richard Bryant
January 21, 2021
We have to agree with many others that Bryon had a genuine concern for everyone. We really enjoyed the time we spent with him and Lorraine in Florida, Greensboro, Virginia and here in the UK.
His sense of humour was so infectious and I loved how he teased us all.
The last time Bryon and Lorraine visited us was 2017 so I thought I would pick a photo of our trip to wales to share. Even though we didn’t see him regularly we will miss him and his lovely phone calls. He had such a gentle voice! Sending much love and prayers to Lorraine and his US family. From all of us here in England xxx
Jennifer Dal Ceredo
January 20, 2021
My Uncle “Bright Eyes” as we called him, was/is the kindest person I’ve ever known. In my 47 years- I never heard him speak ill of ANYONE. His mission- was to help/nurture/protect/celebrate. We had so many celebrations in our lives- singing, laughing, telling corny jokes... they all centered around joy and life. My Uncle Bryon played a tremendous part of my upbringing. He and I talked often about education, books, my kids, my career, food,... you name it. He was the most patient man I ever met too. Never in a hurry - never rushing.. always had the right perspective.
He and Eiya (Lorraine) were more than aunt/uncle to me. They were/are major players in my upbringing. Celebrating my marriage and the birth of my kids. Always inquiring and asking questions. SELFLESS. That’s how I would describe Uncle B. “Tell me... so how is.... what about....” he always wanted the latest updates. Never focusing on himself.
The Meadows of Dan,.
From semi-camping (I don’t do well with roughing it! ) to celebrating their new modular- we watched Uncle B become a true farmer/lands keeper/ Christmas Tree farm worker! Oh how we loved watching the hummingbirds! I’ll never forget our first tree we cut down... the fun dinners... the late night chats with chips and drinks..
My photo of Uncle B when he called me was/is a black and white one I took of him using binoculars in the mountains . It’s my fav pic of him... I imagine him now... in heaven.. with God... looking down on all of us.. especially the love of his life- Eiya...
I know you are pain free and doing yoga and having a BLAST with family and friends.. it’s just so hard to say goodbye to one of my favorite people.. I just love you Uncle Bryon with all my heart. Until we meet again..
“Deneice”... Jennifer - Jenny Benny...
Greg Harris
January 20, 2021
I worked with Bryon at HUD for many years and he was always very helpful to me. Sorry to hear of his passing.
Christopher DalCeredo
January 20, 2021
One of my favorite memories is from 1989 when I visited NC during my Senior Year of High School. Uncle Bryon was trying to teach me to drive a stick shift. I didn’t master it during those lessons and it would be years later (when I was married) that I drove a stick again, but that day in the car was blast. He was so patient sitting in the front seat explaining the concept of “on clutch, off clutch- on gas, off gas, shift into second, downshift into first”. I stalled more times than I advanced, but it was fun. And then, in comedic fashion, he took out a pair of binoculars focusing them on the road ahead of us, and recreated a scene from his own youth. He started yelling out “Be careful!! I see something ahead, watch the road, look at me, no look at the road, watch out for the other cars, what are you doing? accelerate, slow down, …. oh I’m too old for this”. The best part is it was all captured on video tape by Aunt Eiya who was filming in the back seat.
Gayle Cox
January 19, 2021
Mrs. Malphurs,
I was very much saddened by the news of your beloved husband. May the love of family and friends bring comfort to you at this difficult time. Sincerest sympathy to you.
Fondly,
Gayle Cox & Family (Christopher, Courtney & Rob)
Deborah Porter
January 19, 2021
Deepest sympathy to you Lorraine and your family. So very sorry to hear of Byron's passing. Sending you all our love and prayers in such a sad time.
Debbie and Sid Porter
Michelle Crow
January 19, 2021
Dear Lorraine,
my thoughts and prayers are with you. I look forward to when our Volare group can gather again and I can give you a real hug...
paul markle
January 19, 2021
It is with great sadness that we learned of Bryon's passing and hope that he and all his loved ones will find the peace that they deserve after his long battle. He was much more to us than a member of the extended family. His distinguished demeanor, and subtle, but sharp sense of humor were his hallmarks, along with a deep sense of community. His friendship and words of wisdom will be greatly missed by us.
Paul and Melissa Markle
Tracy Yellow Robe Thorpe
January 19, 2021
My Dear Lorraine,
My father (David Yellow Robe) and I worked with Bryon at HUD many years ago. He was kind, compassionate and had a dry sense of humor, everything thing that goes against the stereotype of a “typical” government civil servant. His dedication to advance the mission of fair housing for all and volunteering to help his community sets an example that few will ever achieve. I am a better person today just by knowing him. Godspeed to you and remember that tears that fall today will turn into happy memories that you will cherish in your heart forever.
Ann Johnson
January 19, 2021
Dear Lorraine,
Our condolences for you loss.
We all met Bryon in 1968 as time went on Bryon & Lorraine visited family in England many times. We all have some wonderful memories of those times.
Love from all of us in England xx
Kathy Cavanaugh
January 18, 2021
Dear Lorraine,
Our heartfelt condolences for your loss. I wish we could be with you in person to offer our sympathy. I hope you sense all the Love and lament being sent your way.
Kathy and Bill Cavanaugh
Brenda Gilchrist
January 18, 2021
Lorraine,
Please know that you are in my prayers during this time. May God continue to bestow His special blessings upon you.
Brenda Gilchrist
Verna and Larry Webb
January 17, 2021
Larry and Bryon started out at hud together becoming close friends. He would come home to eat with him no matter what I had cooked. We had a young son Shawn who adored Bryon. One time we moved to Pilot Mountain and Bryon would come spend the night. Shawn would hide Bryon's glasses so he had to stay longer. Our prayers are with you and your family. We lost our sweet Shawn 5 years ago. God does help heal. Memories are with you forever; our love to you. Bryon was wonderful to us in the years we were in Greensboro.
Betty Tarantelli
January 17, 2021
Bryon was a warm, kind and wonderful Christian! He was always smiling and welcoming! He just loved everyone! He always had a kind word for my family!
My heart goes out to his dear and precious wife, Lorraine, who will always have him tucked safely in her heart now where no sickness can ever touch him again! And She will carry on with strength because of the beautiful love they shared! God Bless You, Lorraine and guide you always!
With much Love, Betty Tarantelli and family
Patty Delaney
January 16, 2021
I will always remember Bryon’s kindness and soft spoken voice. Bryon would always ask about how you were doing along with your family members. Bryon and Lorraine had such a loving marriage. It was always a joy to be with them.
My very special memory will always be St. Patrick’s Day. Bryon would always remind me it was approaching so that I wouldn’t forget to make him my special St. Patrick’s day dinner! I am pretty sure it will be St. Bryon’s day for me from now on!
May you Rest In Peace Bryon.❤️
Erica Pelcher (Brusdeilins)
January 16, 2021
I have numerous memories of my sweet Uncle Bryon.
One that comes to mind shows what a sweet, PATIENT man he was.
I had went to visit my Aunt and Uncle in Virginia with my grandmother years back.
There was a pond in front of their home. Uncle Bryon and I ventured in, there were dozens of tiny fish that would swim right up to you and touch your legs and feet! SCREETCH! I DID NOT like that feeling at all. However, my Uncle told me "Don't worry, they won't hurt you Erica, they just want to be your friend" His words immediately calmed my nerves and he held my hand the entire time as we walked the pond together.
This is a very simple yet loving memory that I have of my Uncle.
When I think of Uncle Bryon I think of peace and love. He was the sweetest man, he always listened intently to what you were saying, he asked questions because he cared so much and he always took the time to see how you were really doing. They don't make them like they used to, that's for sure. Uncle Bryon will always hold a special place in my heart forever and always.
Laura Anderson
January 15, 2021
Bryon was such an easy going man. He loved spending time with family and I have such fond memories of holiday time with him and Lorraine. He is now celebrating with loved ones that are with him in heaven.
Regina Megazzini
January 15, 2021
My memories of Bryon began when I was 15 years old - when he married Lorraine. As a teen, I thought he was just the coolest, driving his Datsun 240Z, smoking a pipe, wearing his Kongol driving hat. I felt cool just hanging around him. (See picture!)
Bryon AWAYS had a smile, a joke or words of support to share. He was the ray of sunshine in the cloudiest place.
Then, and until the day he passed, Bryon was a sweet and gentle soul, always so interested in the lives of others. He celebrated the achievements and mourned the losses. He championed efforts to aid the community, and took care of those who couldn’t take care of themselves. He never looked for praise and so many of the lives he touched never even knew him.
He was the best kind of husband, son-in-law (oh, our mother loved him!), brother-in-law, uncle, son and brother a family could ever have. We will sorely miss him and the light he brought to our lives. Love you Bryon!