James Scott Byerly

James Scott "BUD" Byerly, died January 7, 2009 in DeSoto, Texas after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was born Feb. 13, 1931 in Madisonville, Texas, to James Byerly and Mildred Scott Byerly. A fourth generation Texan, he was a descendant of farmers and ranchers in Montgomery and Madison Counties. A history buff, his great, great maternal grandmother was the sister of Jonathan Lindley, one of the 32 reinforcements from Gonzales who died in the battle of the Alamo. Another of his ancestors, Thomas Lindley, died fighting in the American Revolutionary War. James was a talented athlete who played football, basketball, baseball, and softball. After graduating from Madisonville High School, he attended several colleges on athletic scholarships, literally changing colleges to change teams. After playing for Texas A&M, he eventually played for the University of Texas where he received a degree in pharmacology. He served in the Army from 1955 to 1957. He married after leaving the service and had three children, the first of which died at age 6 due to a heart defect. He worked as a pharmacist in the Dallas area for over 50 years. He was a lifelong sports fan, always following the UT Longhorns and Dallas Cowboys. After divorcing in 1979, he met Patsy Hailey with whom he would spend the rest of his life. He was known for making people laugh. He was preceded in death by Pat, as well as his daughter, Terry Lynn Byerly. He is survived by son Scott, wife Marla, and grandson Bryan Chester; son David, wife Colli, and grand daughters Carrie and Victoria; step son Stanley Hailey, wife Melissa, and grand daughters Madison, Reagan, Kayla, Ashley, and Daisey, step daughter Lesa Allen, husband Ken and children Michelle, Jennifer and Scott.Visitation will be Friday 6 to 8 p.m. The family will also receive friends Saturday at 11:00 a.m., with services at NOON at West Hurtt Funeral Home. The family wishes to thank those who assisted in Dad's care: Karen Smith, Mary Martinez, and Alice Torres. Memorials may be made to the Assist The Officer Foundation, 214-747-6839.