Obituary of William Conrad Byars

Prosperity - William Conrad Byars, 81, of Prosperity, South Carolina passed away December 16, 2014 at Newberry County Memorial Hospital Newberry, South Carolina. He was born on September 13, 1933 in Columbia, South Carolina to the late Martin Byars and Evelyn (Walker) Byars. Conrad was a proud United States Navy veteran with service on the USS Saipan. He was a dedicated Gamecock fan and enjoyed watching them play. Conrad also enjoyed fishing and was an avid sportsman. He had a kind heart and would feed 13 neighborhood cats on a regular basis. He also liked to build and repurpose things. Conrad once built a boat in his living room using only primitive tools. Conrad liked to listen to county music and was known to be a good singer. He attended Olympia School for his full 12 years and was a member of the glee club. What Conrad most loved was his family and spending time with them. He was a good father, and a wonderful Granddaddy. Conrad would spend hours telling stories and family history to the children. He never missed an opportunity to gather the family together and show them how much he loved them. Conrad is survived by daughters, Carol Mercer (Richard) of Prosperity, SC, Laura Elizabeth Lindler (Kris) of Irmo, SC; a son, William (Willie) C. Byars (Juanita) of Prosperity, SC; seven grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren; and his wife of 30 years, Lou Anne Byars. He is also survived by a sister, Evelyn Marsh (James) of Hollywood, SC. Conrad was predeceased by a son, Roger Charles Byars. Funeral services will be at Thompson's Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, SC 29209 on Monday, December 22, 2014 at 2 PM with Reverend Michael Davis officiating. A visitation with the family will be held one hour prior at the funeral home. Interment will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 7100 Garners Ferry Road, Columbia SC 29209 following the service. Memorials may be made to Olympia Cemetery Association, 1127 Olympia Avenue, Columbia, SC 29201-4418, or to Palmetto Lifeline, 1725 Bower Parkway, Columbia, SC 29212 or at pawmettolifeline.org.