Paul Andrew "Andy" Byars, 62, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away Thursday, August 9, 2018. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, August 14 at noon in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church with visitation in Jackson Hall following the service.

The only son of Charles Lee and Vonita Jones Byars, Andy was born in Ninety Six, South Carolina, and moved to Columbia in the seventh grade. He graduated from Dreher High School and the University of South Carolina. His professional career was spent in data sales, most notably with AT&T. Andy's most outstanding characteristic was his love of people. He was known to walk up to complete strangers and become fast friends immediately. He was friendly, funny, loving, and genuine. His interests were wide and varied, and there was nothing he could not learn on Youtube. Andy dearly loved life, his church, and his family, but as he battled cancer, his overriding love became his faith in his Savior and praising his Lord. He truly worked out his faith with fear and trembling, and his last moments were marked by the confident assurance of his salvation.

Andy is survived by his wife Lelia, daughter Beth Hray (Trevor), sons Jimmy Byars (Kelley) and Roper Crouch. He is also survived by granddaughters Rebecca and Sarah Hray, grandson Andrew Byars, sister Charlene Carter (John), and nieces Christy Carter and Kelly Hughes (Kevin).

The family would like to express sincere appreciation for Dr. Charles Butler and Ashley Miller, NP along with the loving and supportive staff at SCOA. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family. SDG