J. Carroll Byrum, Sr.

James Carroll Byrum, Sr., 90, formerly of Sunbury, NC, and more recently of Lake Prince Retirement Community in Suffolk, VA, died Friday, February 13, 2015. Mr. Byrum was born in Gates County on February 18, 1924, and was the son of the late Joseph M. and Irma Parker Byrum. The retired owner of Byrum Oil Company, he had also served as Vice-President of Byrum Motor Company, was a former director of The Farmer's Bank of Sunbury (later First Citizen's Bank), was a founding member of The Sunbury Investment Club, had served on the board of the Sunbury Volunteer Fire Dept., was a past member of The Board of Advisors of the North Carolina Petroleum Marketers, and was a faithful and life-long member of Damascus Christian Church, where he had served on its Board of Trustees, and in many other capacities throughout the years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph M. Byrum. Surviving are his wife of 67 years, Barbara Dunn Parker Byrum; his son, James C. "Jimmy" Byrum, Jr. and wife Debbie of Sunbury; and two grandchildren, Joe Byrum of Wrightsville Beach and Leigh Ann Byrum of Beaufort. Funeral services will be held Monday at 2:00 p.m. in Damascus Christian Church by the Revs. Wayne Gardner and John Hilts. A private burial will follow in the church cemetery, with Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, handling arrangements. Friends may join the family in the fellowship hall of the church immediately following the service on Monday, and other times at Jimmy and Debbie's home, 376 NC Hwy 32, Sunbury. Memorial contributions may be made to Damascus Christian Church, in care of Michelle Sawyer, 372 Sugar Run Road, Sunbury, NC 27979. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.