Mr. Grady Lee Byers

Grady Lee "Levonjay" Byers was born on Saturday, January 10, 1942, in Winston-Salem to Margaret Byers Bitting and Wade Bitting, who both preceded him in death. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Celestine Hairston Byers; sister, LaDonna Clark; brother, Barry Bitting, adopted step-father, James Miller, and maternal grandparents, Amos & Eliza Byers, who helped raise him. Grady went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. He attended public schools in Winston-Salem and graduated from Atkins Senior High School in 1961. He was an avid athlete in football, basketball, and baseball. In all three sports, he excelled with recognitions in triple-sports-starting positions (which means he started in all games in all three sports). He was very proud to be a "CAMEL", and was a dedicated member of the "BIG 4" since its inception. Grady was inducted into the Atkins High School Sportsman Hall of Fame in 2009. Grady was employed by R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company at the early age of sixteen while in high school. He chose not to go to college, but instead to continue to work for RJR. While working at RJR, he was drafted by the U.S. Army. He played football for the Army and excelled there too. He was nick-named "The Little Child" because of his speed and stature. He served in the Vietnam War for his country. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Army, he returned to work for RJR, where he later met his wife. Grady accepted Christ at a very young age and was baptized at Rising Ebenezer Baptist Church where he was a member until his death. He was a member of the Adult Sunday School Class and attended Wednesday Night Bible Study. His favorite songs are "Amen", "Amazing Grace", and "Silent Night". Anytime he would hear these songs, he would light up and start singing them also. Grady was a passionate writer and had some of his writings published in the W-S Journal & Sentinel. He has written more than twenty legal-size journals about politics, world events, freedom, and the black experience to name a few. He leaves to cherish memories of himself: his Children, Gary (Paula) McClam of Kernersville, Renee' Campbell, Lavonjuay Hairston, Darryl Brown, Nicole Hairston, all of Winston-Salem, and Nicholas Hairston of Charlotte; Brother, Lynn (Marie) Bitting, of Kernersville (who were his caregivers); Sister, Denise (Bobby) James of Winston-Salem; Grandchildren, Sabriya, Crystal, Chardonoe't, Came’ron, Darryl Jr., NiKiya, Mariah, Malik, Wisdom, Kanaja, Harper, and Ruby-Jade; Great-grandchildren, Milyni', Eliza, and Princeton; devoted Niece, Bridgett (Isaac) Pitts; special Uncle, Earl (Patricia) Byers; Brother-in-law, Donald Clark; Sister-in-law, Pamela Hairston; Paternal siblings, William, Jacqueline, Patricia, Estella, Alice, Peggy, Veronica, Barbara, Milton and Nathaniel; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. A public viewing will be held Friday, March26, 2021 from 1pm until 5pm at Douthit's A private services will be held Saturday, March 27, 2021 atCarver Road Church of Christ and interment will follow in Salisbury National Cemetery. Arrangements are in the care of Douthit Funeral Services.

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Mr. Grady Lee Byers

January 10, 1942 - March 17, 2021