Ralph Allen Byman

Services for Mr. Ralph Allen Byman, 90, of Gilmer, will be held 10:00 A.M, Saturday, April 3, 2010 at First Baptist Church with Bro. Todd Kaunitz officiating and interment to follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Gilmer. Mr. Byman passed away on Thursday, April 1, 2010 in Gilmer. He was born January 28, 1920 in Gilmer to Alvin Sylvester and Anna Lamb Byman. On January 19, 1985 he married Janie Keeling and served in the U. S Navy during WWII . Ralph loved the Lord and was an active member of the Gilmer First Baptist Church. He enjoyed singing with the Prime Timers, going on trips with the Triple L group, going on golf outings, and greeting church members on Sunday mornings. Ralph was an avid golfer and spent many enjoyable hours on the golf course. He was able to shoot better than his age on many occasions. Ralph loved spending time with family and enjoyed large gatherings of kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Ralph loved sports and was an avid supporter of the Gilmer Buckeyes, He played football for Gilmer was a long time announcer for the home games, and attended every game of their 2009 season. Ralph was a business man in Gilmer helping many people with insurance, taxes and real estate. He was a member of the Gilmer Kiwanis, VFW, Gilmer Masonic Lodge # 142 A.F & A.M. He is survived by his wife Janie Keeling Byman of Gilmer; children, Nelson Byman and wife, Sara of Brenham, Texas; Beverly Whitworth and Troy of Winnsboro; Bill Traywick and his wife Billie of Houston, Donny Traywick and his wife, Mary of Diana, Bo Traywick, Bobby Traywick and his wife, Bonita of Diana; sister, Emmalee Roberts of Longview; 18 grandchildren, 36 great grandchildren. Mr. Byman was preceded in death by his first wife and the mother of his children Pauline Byman in 1979 and daughter, Barbara Jean DeYoung in 1975. Pallbearers are Nathan Byman, Cory Whitworth, Cody Whitworth, Mitch Neill, Keelan Traywick, Brian Traywick. Honorary Pallbearers are Paul Traywick, John Traywick, Will Traywick, Brandon Traywick, Brady Traywick and members of the Thomas Sunday School Class. The family expresses a special thank you to members of the Kinsman Home Health and Hospice teams for the wonderful, loving and compassionate care they provided him during his health challenges. Donations maybe made to Kinsman Hospice or First Baptist Church Food Pantry of Gilmer.