Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

July 29, 2024

CHARLOTTE – Joseph Stephen Byrum, Sr. died peacefully on Monday, July 29, 2024, one day shy of his 83rd birthday. Steve was affectionately known by lifelong friends as Goose and D-Daddy by his grandchildren.

Steve’s loving care for his family, his friends, and strangers alike endeared him to all who
were blessed to know him – loyal, kind, generous in spirit, and full of life. He filled rooms with light and laughter and exuded the joy of life. He will be missed tremendously. Steve was born on July 30, 1941, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida to the late Nancy Beaty Byrum and Joseph Edgar Byrum. At the age of six, Steve and his family moved back to their native North Carolina, where Steve attended Charlotte public schools and graduated from Myers Park High School in 1959. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi fraternity and a faithful Tar Heel.  

Following graduation, Steve began a long career with the Byrum Seed Company. He traveled throughout the United States making friends with all of his customers, and was a distinguished and respected figure in the seed trade industry. He was the past president of the North Carolina Seedsmen Association and the Southern Seed Association.

In 1996-97, Steve held the office of president for the American Seed Trade Association where he spoke before Congress on behalf of the industry, and remained on the Board of Directors after his tenure. Following this time in the seed business he joined Dickens Mitchener & Associates Real Estate firm in the role of head of corporate development and community relations.

Steve was a dedicated member of Selwyn Presbyterian Church since childhood, where he served as a Deacon and Elder. He loved and faithfully served his Church and his Lord throughout his life.

Steve was a member of Charlotte Country Club, Charlotte Rotary Club, and The Piedmont Club of Charlotte. He was an avid tennis player – often known for his wit – and enjoyed his tennis group of lifelong friends who played together every Thursday night and on the occasional Saturday morning, followed by a meal at the Club.

Steve will be greatly missed by his family: wife, Ellen Rose Byrum; son, David Carter Byrum and partner, Paige Polhill, and his daughters, Madeline and Martha; son, Joseph Stephen Byrum Jr. and wife, Christine, and their daughters, Emma-Blake and Spencer; brother, David Byrum; Ellen’s son, Kent Walker, Jr. and his wife, Gaby, and their children, Kent and Cristina Elena; Ellen’s daughter, Genie Scheurer and her husband, Chris, and their children, Avery, Philip and Margaret; and many other extended family members. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha “Pipper” Byrum.

A memorial service celebrating Steve’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 3, 2024, at Selwyn Presbyterian Church, with a reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Steve’s honor to Selwyn Avenue Presbyterian Church, 2929 Selwyn Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28209.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.