Edgar Curtis Byrum

Edgar C. Byrum Sr. "Eddie" of Raleigh passed away on Saturday, September 21, 2013. Born February 27, 1924, he was the last surviving child of the late Augustus Holly Byrum and Mamie Temple Byrum. A member of The Ole Raleigh Boys, Eddie loved to reminisce about growing up in Raleighâ€™s Historic Oakwood community. After graduating from Hugh Morson High School in the Class of 1942, he enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard and served in the antisubmarine patrol in the Atlantic and the amphibious forces in the Pacific during WWII. While serving in the Pacific he was assigned to the landing craft division of the amphibious attack transport USS Leonard Wood which participated in the invasions and capture of Saipan, Marianas Islands; Anguar; Palau Islands; Leyte; Luzon; and Philippine Islands. The ship was awarded The Navy Unit Commendation for Exceptionally Meritorious Wartime Service. Eddie was awarded an Expert Rifleman's Medal. After an honorable discharge, Eddie graduated from Hardbarger Business College and worked in state government. After forty years of service Eddie retired as Assistant Director of the Sales and Use Tax Division, from the North Carolina Revenue Department. He was a lifelong member of the First Baptist Church located at 99 N. Salisbury St. in Raleigh, and a member of the Everette Miller Friendship Class. Eddie was a gifted storyteller who entertained friends and family with his quick wit and colorful tales of days gone by. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and had many pleasant memories of fishing trips on the N.C. coast with his friends. Above all, Eddie was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who cherished the time he spent with his family. He was a good man of strong faith and moral integrity. He is loved dearly and missed deeply. Eddie is survived by his wife of 62 years, Christine Gay Byrum, daughter Tonnya Byrum Harrison, son Ed Byrum, Jr. and wife Cheri, grandsons Jake Harrison, Tyler Byrum and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by sisters Gladys Bookhardt, Mary Thomas, Dorothy Richardson Bedwell and brothers Wallace, Augustus, Jack, Addison, Daniel, Frederick and Palmer.

Edgar Curtis Byrum

February 27, 1924 - September 21, 2013