Billy Brown Byerly

Billy Brown Byerly, 88 of Greeley, CO passed away on 6/27/21 at his home. As a loving son, brother, husband, father, father in law, grandfather and great grandfather, "Papaw” was in turn, loved by many and will be greatly missed by all. He was born in 1933 to William Robert and Mary Eulala (Beck) Byerly in Thomasville, NC. In the 8th grade, Bill would meet the love of his life, Elizabeth "Honey” Wagner, who had recently moved to NC from Michigan. The two only had eyes for each other and eloped to SC on July 4th 1950, the summer following their Jr year of High School. The young married couple returned to Pilot High School in Thomasville and completed their senior year. Shortly after graduation in 1951, Bill became the youngest person from Davidson County to be drafted into service for the Korean War. He proudly served in the US Army from 1951-1955 as Corporal Quartermaster while stationed in Metz, France. Bill and Honey bloomed where they were planted. They shared great love and joy during their 64-year marriage, weathering life’s trials together. After his Army service, Bill was employed by Burlington Textiles Industry for 47 years. Starting as a young man sweeping floors, he worked his way through many jobs to become a valued employee in management and an expert in weave and loom technology design, installation and instruction. New equipment was not purchased without his approval. His job required travel to Europe and Japan and several moves along the way. Bill and Elizabeth enjoyed family life in Lexington and Kernersville, NC., South Boston, VA and back to Greensboro, NC where they were long-term members of Center United Methodist Church. In 2004, following the death of their beloved son, Brooks, they moved to Greeley, CO to be closer to daughter, Lisa and her family. An avid, scratch golfer for most of his life, Bill was still, "shooting his age” on the scorecard throughout his 70’s. He also enjoyed pier fishing at the North Carolina coast with favorites being, Kure Beach and Nags Head. Lovingly referred to as Papaw in Colorado, and Pop Bill in NC, Bill and Honey were the best grandparents. In Colorado, time was filled with family and friends with hobbies including, golf and yard-work, cards with dear neighbors, frequent trips "Up the Hill” to Blackhawk, and annual treks to the Bar J Chuckwagon near Jackson, Wyoming. Bill is survived by his daughter, Lisa Charbonneau and husband Dr. John Charbonneau of Greeley, CO; his sister, Judy Byerly Embry and husband Darrell Embry of Thomasville, NC; one daughter in law, Dr. Susan Lloyd Byerly of Erwin, NC; three grandchildren, Dr. Benjamin Byerly of Greenville, NC, Madeline (Charbonneau) Acorn of Windsor, CO and Jake Byerly Charbonneau of Spring Valley, MN; two great-grandchildren, Decker John Acorn and Riggins Gary Acorn of Windsor, CO. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife; Honey, their son; Brooks G. Byerly, and grandson; Blake Palmer Byerly. Also by his parents; Robert and Mary (Beck) Byerly, as well as brothers; Robert Jr. and Hoyle, sisters; Ruby and Mary. A Celebration of Life Party will be planned at a future date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pathways Hospice, in care of Adamson Funeral & Cremation Services. 2000 47th Ave., Greeley, CO 80634. Condolences may be sent to the family at: www.adamsoncares.com