Johnny Vance Byers

May 30, 1937 - May 6, 2017 Johnny Vance Byers, 79, of Statesville went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 6, 2017. Johnny was born on May 30, 1937 in Iredell County to the late Charles Byers and Helen Benfield Byers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Wayne Byers. He is survived by his beloved wife of 55 years, Peggy Jean Cloer Byers; three daughters, Karen (Sonny) Messick, Pam (Michael) Henderson, and Leigh (Steve) Allen; four sisters, Nancy (Murray) Lamb, Dot Hawn, Margaret Dellinger, and Janet (Clay) Elliott, and seven grandchildren, Tyler Messick, Shelley Messick, Joshua (Brittany) Henderson, Miranda Henderson, Micaela Henderson, Bradley Allen and Travis Allen, all of whom will miss him dearly. Johnny was a veteran of the United States Navy and was awarded a Good Conduct Medal. He was a 30 year Veteran of West Iredell Fire Department where he served four years as Chief. He was awarded the Outstanding Volunteer Fireman of the year in 1976-1977. He owned and operated Byers Garage, which was started by his father, and retired after fifty years. Johnny was also active member of the West Iredell Ruritan’s Club, where he served four years as President, two years as Director, and was awarded Ruritan of the Year in 1999 and in 2003. He has been a lifelong member of Beulah Baptist Church for over 50 years and shared his love for the Lord by volunteering on Missions Trips and working with NC Disaster relief. He was an outstanding member of the community and his memory will be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 9th at Beulah Baptist Church. The funeral service will be held at the church at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 10th with Rev. Henry Cook and Rev. Brian Burgess officiating. Interment will immediately follow the service at Beulah Baptist Church Cemetery. Military Gravesite Rites will be accorded at the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Dennis Stewart, Rick Dyson, Steve Porter, Charlie Killian, Ken Killian, and Wes Elliott. Honorary pallbearers will be members of West Iredell Ruritans and West Iredell Fire Department. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mr. Byers’ memory may be made to Beulah Baptist Church, Att: Building Fund, 1851 Old Mountain Road, Statesville, NC 28677. Troutman Funeral Home is entrusted with serving the family.