David Lee Byars

Mr. David Lee Byars, 84, of Albany, peacefully passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Born December 10, 1940, in Lyerly, GA, David was the son of the late Paul Byars and Haney Byars. He served our country in the United States Air Force and was stationed at Turner Air Force Base of Albany. He met the love of his life Gloria and made their home in Albany where they would raise their family. He worked for Sears and Roebuck as an outside salesman and retired from Merck Chemical Company as a factory supervisor. He worked for Engineering & Equipment Company of Albany and served the Dougherty County Sheriff’s Department as a court bailiff for 15 years. He enjoyed a good cigar, fried chicken, and Charles Seafood Restaurant. He greatly loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He loved telling stories and never seemed to meet a stranger. David was a former member of the Antique Auto Club of Albany, enjoyed playing golf but most enjoyed being there for his grandchildren at all their functions. He loved his dog Oreo. A Baptist by faith he will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Joy Hamby.

Those left to cherish his memory include his beloved wife of 63 years, Gloria Bridges Byars; children, Terri Byars Freeman and Brett of Leesburg, and Paul Byars of Albany; grandchildren, Chandler Freeman and Joyner of Athens, Cameron Freeman and Grace of Woodstock, Emmalee Freeman of Leesburg, Tatum Freeman of Leesburg, Felton Byars and Madison of Dawson, Peyton Byars and Tyler of Leesburg; and great-grandchild, Harper Freeman.

A memorial gathering will be held from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025, at Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to First Freewill Baptist Church of Albany 420 Westover Blvd. Albany, GA 31707.

Condolences and memories may be shared on the website of Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home at www.josephwjones.com.

Joseph W. Jones Funeral Home & Crematory has been entrusted with the care of the Byars family.