Graham Vance Byrum, MD

Graham Vance Byrum, MD, age 84, of 1832 Main Street, Scotland Neck, NC, died Saturday, April 20, 2013 in his home following a brief illness. Born December 2, 1928, he was the son of the late William Graham and Estelle Hooks Byrum. Raised in Sunbury, N.C., he graduated from Wake Forest College in 1949, and Bowman Gray School of Medicine in 1952. Dr. Byrum served in the US Navy during the Korean War and was the medical officer aboard the USS Hickox. After his service, he began his medical practice in Scotland Neck, and humbly cared for its people for more than 56 years, both in private practice and at Our Community Hospital. A faithful member of Trinity Episcopal Church, he had served on the Vestry and as Senior Warden. Other areas of service included the boards of Our Community Hospital and the Scotland Neck Memorial Library, president of the Halifax County Medical Society, and as a Diplomate of the American Board of Family Medicine. Dr. Byrum is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty Jean McCormick Byrum, and their children, Dr. Graham V. Byrum, Jr. and wife Marti of Greenville, Pamela B. Jenkins and husband Jimmy of West Des Moines, Iowa, and Susan B. Rountree and husband Rick of Raleigh; eight grandchildren, Kendall B. Hussey and husband Matt of Alexandria, Va., Dr. Graham V. Byrum, III of Winston-Salem, Samuel M. Byrum of Raleigh, Susan J. Sumrell and husband Jonathan of Richmond, Va., James W. Jenkins, III of Washington, DC, John M. Jenkins of Kansas City, Mo., Meredith R. Worsham and husband James of New York City, and Graham A. Rountree of Raleigh; four great-grandchildren, Cole, Laura Gray, Vance, and Gracie; his sister, Betty Byrum Lilley and husband, Maj. Gen. Aaron Lilley, US Army (Ret.) of Smithfield, Va.; several cousins, nieces and nephews; and his beloved dog, Ruby. A service of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, April 23rd, at 11:00 a.m. in Trinity Episcopal Church. A reception in the church Parish House will follow the service. Burial will be private. Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is assisting the family with arrangements. Friends may join the family on Monday, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., at the residence. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Trinity Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, the Scotland Neck Memorial Library Board, or the Salvation Army.