Bobby Byars

PFC Bobby L. Byars, age 18 was killed in action on December 31, 1950 defending his country during the Korean War.

Bobby was born on June 6, 1932 in Griffin, GA to Carlton Dean Byars and Martha Louise Allen Byars. He enlisted in the National Guard of Griffin in February of 1949 and joined the United Sates Army in August of 1949. Bobby was sent to Fort Jackson, SC for basic training. Following his basic training he was sent to Ft. Benning, GA for further training in December, 1949. He was assigned to Ft. Lawton, WI in July, 1950 and was deployed to Korea in September, 1950. PFC Byars was assigned to Company M 31st Regimental Combat Team.

For many years Bobby was listed as missing in action, but as a result of modern day technology and the persistence of the United States Army it has been determined that PFC Bobby Byars was in fact killed in action. Regretfully his parents passed away before this determination was made. He also lost a brother during this time as well, James A. “Bud” Byars and a niece, Donna Byars Rasberry.

Bobby is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Charles R. “Chuck” and Janice McGinn Byars of Williamson; step-brothers and sisters-in-law, Patrick and April McGinn of Williamson, Michael and Brandi McGinn of Athens, GA; step-sister and brother-in-law, Kathy McGinn and Brad Gregg of Williamson, GA; nephews and their wives, Barry and Carole Byars of Griffin, Jeffrey and Chris Byars of Lodi, WI, and Michael Byars of Ringgold, GA; niece and her husband, Kelly Byars and Jerry Stanford of Senoia, GA.

Funeral services for PFC Bobby Byars will be conducted Saturday, February 16, 2013 at 11:00 am at Oak Hill Baptist Church. Pastor Chris Teasley will officiate. Full military burial honors will follow in the Veteran’s section of Oak Hill Cemetery. Friends may pay their respects on Thursday from 8 am until 5pm or Friday from 8 am until 8 pm at the funeral home. The family will be available on Friday from 6pm to 8pm to visit with friends.