Jonathan Byers

Jonathan "Jerry" Gerard Byers, Sr., 72, of Fort Mill, SC passed away peacefully at his home on August 26, 2016, after a long and courageous battle with colon cancer. Born in Harrisonburg, VA, he was the youngest son of Ben and Jessie Bailey Byers.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Elaine Williams Byers; son, Jonathan Byers, Jr (Janet); grandsons, Griffith and Finley; sister, Ann B. Waldrop; brothers, Reverend Bob Byers (Dita); and Mike Byers (Beth).

Jerry grew up in Cornelius, NC graduating from North Mecklenburg High School in 1962. He attended Wingate University before joining the U. S. Marine Corps. Jerry proudly served as a U.S. Marine during the Vietnam War.  Afterwards, he spent the next seventeen years as a patrol deputy and criminal investigator for the Greenville County Sheriff's Office, and a volunteer firefighter with the Wade Hampton Fire Department in Greenville, SC.  Jerry was co-owner of Technical Investigations and Services, Inc, a Certified Fire Investigator, a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators, and was a Mason.  Jerry's unwavering dedication to duty and his commitment to serve his community was indicative of his strong moral character.  While others ran away from danger, Jerry always ran towards it.  Jerry was fearless.  He was protective of his family, his friends, his colleagues, and all the citizens he served. 

Additionally, Jerry served as a devoted Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 280 in Roanoke ,Va. for several years.  He enjoyed teaching boy scouts about his love of country as well as the art of camping and wilderness survival. As an avid hunter, he was a member of the Crack of Nine Hunt Club.  Jerry loved to both water ski and snow ski and enjoyed vacation cruises.  He loved his family and all his many, many friends.  He was very grateful for all the many cards, phone calls, prayers, and visits during his illness.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Monday, August 29, 2016, in the chapel of Reymer-Kepner Funeral Home in Huntersville, NC.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.  Interment will follow at Bethel Presbyterian Church cemetery in Cornelius, NC.

In lieu of flowers, it was Jerry's wish that his family and friends not vote for Hillary Clinton. Memorials may be made to the Cancer Society.