Ralph Lee Byars, Sr.

Preacher Ralph Lee Byars Sr., 69 of Chester, SC met his Lord and Savior and reached his eternal home in Heaven on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at his home. A Funeral Service will be held 3:00 PM Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Woodward Baptist Church with Pastor Keith Hinson, Preacher Lee Patrick, Preacher Jason Miles, Preacher Gene Gaston and Youth Pastor Karl Bagley officiating.  Interment will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. The family will receive friends Saturday Evening January 10, 2026 also at Woodward Baptist Church from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM.

Ralph, beloved son of the late Floyd Byars and Lillian Gertrude Starnes and Lloyd Starnes Jr. was born on July 24, 1956 in Newberry, SC. He received his GED through the schools of Chester County and worked for Springs Mill, Essex and Campus Sportswear. Preacher Ralph announced his call to preach May 28, 1989. He was a pastor for 35 years but due to his health with ALS he had to retire. The Lord blessed him with two churches, Redemption Baptist in Enoree, SC and Tabernacle FWB in Coward, SC. He led both churches in building programs and are now debt free. He taught Beaver Creek Bible Institute for several years. Ralph was a faithful Gamecock fan. Ralph loved his family, church family and loved playing golf and softball. He loved his wife Bonnie for over 52 years. When you saw one you saw the other. Ralph attended Westside Baptist and Woodward Baptist Church. Most of all, he was a great Christian, Husband, Dad, Son, Brother and Papa.

In addition to his wife he is survived by his son Ralph, Jr. (Jamie) Byars of Florence, SC; daughter, Connie (Karl) Bagley of Chester, SC; brother, Wayne (Evelyn) Byars of Chester, SC; sister, Linda (Russel) Ivey of Blackstock, SC; grandchildren, Brice and Cassidy Byars, Marlee Vancil, Jacob Wade, Morgan Byars, Tristan Bagley, Lillie Bagley, and a great-grand daughter due in July. Adopted family, Gavin, Braden, Nathan Baucan, Sam and Grace Baucen of Roebuck, SC; in-laws, Calvin and Cathy Reynolds, Judy Adkins; several nieces, nephews and cousins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his in-laws, Roy and Shirley Reynolds and his infant brother, Floyd William Byars.

Memorials may be made to Westside Baptist Church Building Fund, PO Box 1049, Chester SC 29706

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.barronfuneralhome.com.