John Butler Byrum, Sr.

John Butler Byrum, Sr., 93, of 511 Ryland Road, Tyner, NC, died Monday, May 26, 2014 in his home. Mr. Byrum was born in Pitt County and was the son of the late Walter Trotman and Pastoria Ward Byrum. A retired farmer, he was a US Navy veteran having served in World War II. A faithful servant of the Lord since 1956, he was a member of Happy Home Pentecostal Holiness Church where he had served as deacon, trustee, treasurer of both the church and Camp Meeting, had served as superintendent of Sunday school and had taught for 40 years, had sang in the choir, and was in charge of its Rest Home Ministry for over 40 years. A charter member of Ryland Ruritan Club where he had served as its first president, he had also served as a committee member with Chowan County ASC for 13 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Regina Bunch, and his brother, McAuley Byrum. A faithful husband, father, grandfather, father-in-law, uncle and friend, he is survived by his loving wife and "Sweetheart" of 57 years, Nina Jane Chappell Byrum; two sons, John B. Byrum, Jr. and wife Debbie and Walter T. Byrum, II and wife Robin, all of Tyner; four grandchildren, Victoria Byrum "Presh" Sacca and husband Nick, Kallie "Sweetie Pie" Byrum, Camaryn "Love" Byrum, and Gabrielle "Sparkles" Byrum; a niece and seven nephews; and many extended family members. Funeral services will be held Thursday at 3:00 p.m. in Happy Home Pentecostal Holiness Church by Pastor Tommy Oliver and the Revs. Chuck Davis, Danny Meads, and Walter Byrum. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may join the family Wednesday from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m. in Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, and other times at the residence. Memorial contributions in his memory may be made to Happy Home Church, 534 Happy Home Road, Tyner, NC 27980 to be designated for the Building For The Future Ministry. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.