George Rice Byars, Sr.

George Rice Byars, Sr., 84, went home to his Lord and Savior on December 15, 2015, two days shy of his 85th birthday. Born on December 17, 1930 in Cascilla, Mississippi, George was the third son of Ruth Rice Byars and Roy DeWitt Byars, M. D. He was predeceased by his parents and brothers, Roy D. Byars, Jr. and Joe R. Byars. After graduating from Cascilla High School, he attended Northwest Junior College where he played football. After Northwest, he served his country in the Korean War as a Corporal in the Army. Following his return, he attended Delta State University, and upon graduating in 1955 he moved to Memphis where he began a career in sales, almost entirely with Master-Bilt Refrigeration where he was the Southern Area Manager. George was a longtime member of Independent Presbyterian Church where he was a former Deacon. In Memphis, he also met and married Ann Fischer, his cherished wife of 54 years. In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, G. Rice Byars, Jr. (Susan) of Memphis, Carolynn Byars Lord (Ralph) of Atlanta and 5 beloved grandchildren, George R. Byars, III, Virginia H. Byars, R. Fischer Lord, David K. Lord and Evelynn L. Lord. The family wishes to express their appreciation to his faithful caregivers, Moneatha Clark and Mary Ruth. The family will receive friends from 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. Friday, December 18 at Independent Presbyterian Church, and the funeral services will be immediately following at 1:00 p.m. also at Independent Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Independent Presbyterian Church, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.