Ben Byers, 78, of Telford, passed away on September 11, 2013. He was preceded in death by his mother, Jessie Bailey Byers; his father, Ben Byers Sr. and brother-in-law, Johnny Waldrop. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Cathy Byers; his son, Ben Thomas Byers; two daughters, Alice Elizabeth (McClellan) and Ann Margret (Riddle); four grandchildren, Leah McClellan Welty, Courtney Riddle, Towler McClellan, and Daniel Riddle; three brothers, Rev. Robert Byers (Dita), Michael Byers (Beth), Jerry Byers (Elaine); and a sister, Ann Byers Waldrop.

Born January 4, 1935 in Mooresville, North Carolina, he attended Davidson College for a two-year period and then joined the U. S. Army and became a parachute jump school instructor at Fort Benning, GA during a three-year enlistment. He completed his undergraduate education with a degree in Mathematics at UNC-Chapel Hill in 1960. Afterwards, he began a long career in the then new field of computer programming with various engagements including the U.S. Army Arsenal, Eastman Kodak, Liggett & Myers, Duke Power, NC Baptist Hospital, Stuart Furniture, Storage Technology, and Banks of Iowa.

He also enjoyed teaching computer science courses part time at Kirkwood Community College (Iowa) and taking various courses at many schools. His lifelong love of learning led him to complete a Masters Degree in Liberal Studies at East Tennessee State University in 2005. He also possessed a lifelong love of music and was an amateur musician proficient in piano, tuba, guitar, banjo, and harmonica. He also enjoyed serving as a volunteer at the Senior Center, festivals and events in Jonesborough, TN.

Mr. Byer’s memorial service will be held at Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home in Jonesborough, TN on September 17th at 7:00 p.m. with Rev. Robert Byers officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jonesborough Senior Center, 1521 Persimmon Ridge Road, Jonesborough, TN 37659