Richard Graham Byrum, Sr., 78, of Suffolk, went home to be with the Lord, April 4, 2006.

Richard was born and raised in Rocky Hock, N.C., and was the son of the late Richard H. and Evie Nixon Byrum. His brother Edward Byrum of Colerain, N.C., preceded him in death.

Richard served in the U. S. Army, retired from A & P Tea Company after 30 years and later operated a produce stand at Robin’s Corner in Virginia Beach and on Carolina Road in Suffolk.

Richard was an active and well-respected member of Southside Baptist Church where he served as an honorary deacon.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Lelia Ward Byrum of Suffolk; his sister Edith Byrum Small of Edenton, N.C.; six children, Richard G. Byrum, Jr. and wife, Iris Lyon Byrum of Suffolk Alvah H. Byrum and wife, Kimberly Agostinoni Byrum of Suffolk, Mary Byrum Styron and husband Homer Styron of Hatteras, N.C., Vicky Byrum Fleming and husband Robert Fleming of Suffolk, Terrie Byrum Butler and husband Philip Butler of Suffolk and Benjamin C. Byrum of Miami, Fla.; 11 grandchildren,

Helena, Angie, Brian, Mindy, Hannah, Matthew, Leanne, Acra, Kaity, Kelly and Sarah; one great grandchild, Ricky.

A celebration of his life will be held at Southside Baptist Church in Suffolk, on Friday, April 7 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Stewart McCarter and the Rev. Bobby Skeens officiating.

The burial will take place in Manteo Cemetery, Manteo, N.C., at 4 p.m. Friday.

The family will receive family and friends at R. W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home & Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., Suffolk, Thursday from 7 to 9 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that contributions be made in Richard’s name to the Southside Baptist Church Building Fund, 917 Carolina Rd, Suffolk, VA, 23434.www.rwbakerfh.com