Bill Byerly

William L. Byerly, Jr., (Bill), age sixty-six, entered into eternal peace on April 14, 2016.
Bill Byerly was born in Lilbourn Missouri, October 29, 1949. He was the eldest son of William (Bud) and Syble Smith Byerly. Graduating from Matthews High School in 1968, Bill was soon drafted into the Army. While serving his country, Bill met the love of his life, Shirley Booth, and they were joined in Holy Matrimony on November 17, 1970. For over five decades, Bill worked first in farming, then in both the public and private sectors to provide for his family.
In his spare time, Bill enjoyed cooking and was an avid hunter and fisherman. His favorite pastime was fishing with his grandchildren and passing on his knowledge and skills of the sport. Bill and Shirley also spent time on the battlefield re-enacting battles from the War of 1812. He particularly enjoyed re-enacting the Ft. Mims Massacre, in which he always played a member of the invading Creek warriors. Bill oftentimes joked that it was the ""only time [he] could legally kill [his] wife,"" as Shirley always portrayed one of the ill-fated white settlers, an inhabitant of the fort.
Bill also loved woodworking. On evenings and weekends when he was not participating in helping friends, Bill spent time in his shop designing and building various projects. His family remembers him as being exceptionally skilled in constructing wooden toys and furniture, and all who knew him will agree, ""Bill could accomplish anything he set his mind to."" He entertained himself during hospital stays by sketching, giving many of his drawings to nurses and hospital staff.
Bill's most cherished characteristic was his well-known generosity. His desire and willingness to help anyone in need sprang from his genuine love for others. Even Bill's final act, donating his body to the medical program at the University of South Alabama for the advancement of cancer research, expressed his selfless nature. Following an initial diagnosis of stage-four metastatic cancer, Bill fought the disease for nine years. When various medical personnel doubted time and time again that he would survive, Bill persevered with great courage, his signature humor, and always with the enduring love of his wife and family.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, William L. Byerly, Sr. and Syble Byerly, and one great-granddaughter. He leaves to cherish his memory his cherished wife, Shirley; his daughters and sons-in-law, Trina and Ray Moye and Trisha and Dennis Wiggins; his son and daughter-in-law, Blake and Rachel Byerly; three sisters, Janet Tyner, Jonesboro, Arkansas; Joanne Holley, Wittenburg, Missouri; and Barbara Graham, Charter Oak, Missouri; one brother, Richard Byerly, Chaffee, Missouri; fourteen grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and many other relatives and dear friends.
A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 pm, Saturday, April 23, 2016 at Pineview Church, 41 North Pineview Circle, Brewton, Alabama, 36426. Brother James Peacock will be officiating.
An online guestbook may be signed and tributes shared at www.riemannfamily.com