The Reverend James Solon Byford went to be with his Heavenly Father June 20, 2024. He was born June 13, 1923 to George Washington Byford and Callie Keaton Byford in Smithville, TN. He is survived by daughter, Mickie Byford Hudson (Don), brother Owen Byford, granddaughters Kimberly Hudson Walsh (Michael), and Holly Byford Clark, great granddaughters Katy and Emily Walsh, and Ashlyn and Alexa Clark, daughter-in-law, Rebecca Henson Byford, step-daughter, Brenda Minnick and special step-granddaughter, Melanie Duff.
Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his son James Lloyd Byford, seven brothers and sisters, his first wife, Ruth Light Byford, his second wife, Margaret Hamblen Byford, and his third wife, Willie Mae Patrick Byford.
He served as Pastor for Free Will Baptist churches in the Kingsport area for more than sixty years. He loved his family, gardening and shopping.
His Memorial Service will be held on July 2, 2024 at 1:00 PM in the chapel at East Lawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park