William L. “Bill” Byers, Jr.

William Lorenz Byers, Jr. age 87, of Dennison died Thursday, March 12, 2020, in Hennis Care Centre at Dover following a period of declining health.

Born in the family home at New Philadelphia on May 21, 1932, Bill was a son of the late William L. Byers, Sr. and Elizabeth Sickels Byers.

Bill attended New Philadelphia High School and remained a life-long Quaker fan. Being an avid sports fan, Bill also loved the Cleveland Browns the Cleveland Indians, The Ohio State Buckeyes and NASCAR. He especially looked forward to gatherings with family and friends and hosting an annual Fourth of July party.

Professionally, Bill had a 40 plus year career as a car salesman that began at the former Brightwood Motors in 1966 and later with Harry Humphries. He ultimately went to work for Ferris Chevrolet and retired in 2010.

Bill is survived by his wife of 36 years, the former Debra Nelson whom he married on September 2, 1983, two children, Bill (Sue) Byers, III of South Carolina and Jody (Jeff) Ritchey of Florida, six grandchildren, Bill (Jen) Byers, IV, David (Brooke) Byers, Crystal Moore, Sarah Byers, Ben (Christal) Ritchey and Brad (Jess Shaw) Ritchey and 12 great-grandchildren. Completing the family are a sister, Betty Weber, two sisters-in-law, Lisa (Jeff Jackson) Nelson and Holly Nelson and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by three brothers, Carlos, Lewis, and Lee Byers and a sister, Luella Frownfelter.

In keeping with Bill’s wishes, cremation will take place.

A service celebrating the lives of Bill and his sister-in-law, Lisa Nelson will be held on Thursday, July 2, 2020 at 1:30 PM in the chapel of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. The family will not be greeting guests in advance of the service. Burial will follow in the Evergreen and East Avenue cemeteries. Those unable to attend are welcome to view a livestream of the services on Geib’s Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/geibcares/.

The family requests memorial contributions in Bill’s name be directed to the Quaker Club, P.O. BOX 202 New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663 or to the Tuscarawas County Humane Society, 1432 Tall Timber Rd NE, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.