Samye Sue (Bates) Byars

Samye Byars, 86, (b. September 25, 1938; d. October 29, 2024) was born in Goree, Texas to Sara Sue Hall and Reuben Bates.  Her father was a farmer and rancher, while “Sue” later became a postal clerk.  She graduated salutatorian from Goree High School in 1957, and graduated from McMurray College in Abilene in 1961.  She was voted “Most Athletic” at each school, and remained an avid sports fan her entire life.

Samye taught P.E. at S.H. Rider High School from 1962 to 1964, then became a therapist at the North Texas Rehabilitation Center working with children, leading the Learning Disability Department.  She worked there from 1968 to 1995, taking an early medical retirement from post-polio syndrome.  She was a faithful member of University United Methodist Church (UUMC) since about 1968, and played second base on the women’s slow-pitch softball team, winning the City Championship many times, over some 15+ years of play.

Samye had many cherished volunteer works in church as a kindergarten teacher, money counter, committee member and more.  Beyond church, Samye gave 27 years of perfect attendance to Interfaith Ministries as a counselor; the Altrusa Club and its community services; Friends of the Library; driver for Meals on Wheels; a PIE Mentor at Bonham Elementary; and more.  Her gifts of service to UUMC and the community will be sorely missed, and the true friendship she has given to us in Christian love and spirit will be forever remembered.

Samye was preceded in death by her mother, Sue Woodall father, Reuben Bates and a brother, David Alan Bates.  She is survived by her son Micheal David Byars, daughter-in-law Brenda Sue, and grandsons Austin David and Tyler John (Charlotte), all of La Crosse, Wisconsin.  She is further survived by grandchildren Amy Sue Odenbach (Dan) and her sons Colton (Emma) and Luke LeClaire; and Travis George (Charity), and children Jaden and Korissa, all of the La Crosse area; and stepsisters Leslie Lund and Catherine Opp of Indianapolis, Indiana.  She is also survived by a beloved cousin, Andrew Michael "Mic" Hall (Kay), of Bakersfield, California and their two children and families.

Celebration of Life for Samye Byars will be held at 10:00 AM on November 29, 2024 at the Hospice of Wichita Falls Bereavement Center, 4909 Johnson Rd., Wichita Falls, TX.  Interment will be at the Goree Cemetery under the direction of Archer Funeral Home, Seymour, TX.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be given in Samye's honor to University United Methodist Church, North Texas Rehabilitation Center, Interfaith Outreach Services, or the Goree Cemetery Association.