AMERICUS — William Watkins Byram Jr. of Americus, Georgia, passed away on Thursday, May 10, 2018. He was 84.

Bill is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Tom; his daughter, Laura Byram Guest (Greg) of Social Circle, Georgia; his son, the Rev. Whit Byram (Katy) of Cairo, Georgia; and his grandchildren, Matthew Guest, Margaret Guest, Sarah Byram and Susannah Byram. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Margaret Byram, and sister, Mary Louise Winter.

Bill was a natural-born leader who made everyone he met feel special and respected. He was known for his dedication to family, devotion to God, service to his church and kindness to others. Bill had a keen wit, outgoing nature and wise judgement. He was also a part-time poet, writing about family and friends, and was a long-time (and often long-suffering) fan of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta Braves.

Bill was born in Petersburg, Virginia, and grew up in Washington, North Carolina. He served in the United States Navy Pacific fleet as a dental technician. After his service to his country, he attended Emory University in Decatur, Georgia, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration.

Bill enjoyed a long and distinguished career with Southern Bell Company, where he held management positions in Decatur, Marietta, Griffin and Savannah, Georgia. Upon retiring from Southern Bell, Mr. Byram embarked on a second career, leading the revitalization of The Savannah Foundation charitable trust as its president for many years.

During his career, he served on the boards of numerous charitable and community organizations, including the Rotary International in Griffin and Savannah, the United Way of the Coastal Empire, the Savannah Area Chamber of Commerce, the Savannah Port Authority, and Sons of the Revolution.

After retiring again, Bill and Mary Tom relocated to Americus, where he became involved in local philanthropic and religious interests as an active member of Americus First United Methodist Church.

Services were to be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 14, at First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Dr. Jerry Roe and the Rev. John Walker officiating. The family was to receive friends beginning at 1 p.m. in the church fellowship hall.

Bill will be placed to rest, in sure and certain hope of eternal life in Christ Jesus, at Andersonville National Cemetery in a private ceremony.

To sign our online guestbook and express your condolences, please visit www.hancockfuneralhomeinc.com

Hancock Funeral Home, 427 S. Lee St., is honored to be entrusted with these arrangements for William Watkins Byram Jr.