Tonnie Byars

Sunrise: August 14, 1962

Sunset: September 13, 2026

Tonnie Byars, age 64, was called to his heavenly home on Sunday, September 13, 2026, at the Haywood County Community Hospital, in Brownsville, TN. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 10:30 AM, at the Faith Deliverance Church with Bishop Will Fred Boyd, Sr. officiating. Burial will follow in the Faith Deliverance Church Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 9:30 AM – 10:30 AM at the Faith Deliverance Church.

Tonnie was born on August 14, 1962, to Melvin Lewis and Ruth Swift Byars, in Brownsville, TN. He was known as the man that could fix anything, from lawnmowers to tv’s, he enjoyed spending time figuring out what was wrong with them and repairing them. Tonnie loved being the life of the party and making people laugh.

He is survived by his wife: Valarie Byars of Brownsville, TN; sons: Rumzy Byars, Jaden Byars of Brownsville, TN; brothers: Melvin Byars, Ronnie Byars (Vicki), Jerry Austin; sisters: Arethria Turner (Barry), Adrienne Byars, Rita Byars, Rochell Byars, Lisa, Carolyn, Latasha; and a legacy of three grandchildren.

Tonnie was preceded in death by his parents: Melvin Lewis and Ruth Swift Byars; brother: Jimmy Byars; sisters: Cherry Byars, Jannie Byars and Gwen.

Pallbearers for the service will be family and friends.

Family has requested that everyone wear either red, black or white to the visitation and service. Tonnie will be missed and remembered by those that had the honor of knowing him. The family requests memorials be made to Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, 50 North Dunlap St., Memphis, TN 38103. All arrangements and services are under the direction of the Lea & Simmons Funeral Home.