Bruce Edwin Byars

Bruce Edwin Byars, our brother in Christ of Woodway, passed away June 13, 2026. The Lord givith, the Lord taketh away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.

Services will be held Thursday, June 18, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, with Pastor Jim Dickon officiating. Visitation will be held Wednesday, June 17, 2026, from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home, 6101Bosque Blvd.

Bruce was a man of quiet and deep faith, grounded deeply connected to his family and faith. Born in Houston, Texas to Barham and Blanche Crawford Byars on June 22, 1944. He lived in Houston, Nacogdoches, Corsicana, and Hillsboro before moving to Waco where his dad was stationed at James Connally Air Force Base in 1955. He graduated from Waco High School in 1962and attended McLennan Community College and TSTC. He worked in automotive part sales for 30 years before retiring in 2007. On June 5, 1966, he married Sherry Polonsky at First Baptist Church of Waco. One son, Bruce Wayne, was born to this union.

“In his own words recently exposed, I have had a wonderful life. I was married for 60 years to a beautiful, incredible woman. We were blessed with one son, and I have been greatly blessed all my life.” Thanks for everything Dad. May you rest in a well-earned peace in the hands of a loving God.

Bruce had an unwavering faith in the Lord and was a member of Fairview Baptist Church. He was also a 32nd degree Mason and a member of Texas Scottish Rite.

His family does not say goodbye to Bruce. Rather we rejoice in the comfort of God’s Word: “…neither in death, nor things present, nor things to come…shall separate us form the love of God, which is in Jesus Christ, our Lord.” Romans 8:38; 1 Corinthians 15:57.

Bruce was preceded in death by his mother and father, Barham and Blanche Byars.

He is survived by his wife Sherry, and one son, Bruce Wayne and wife Carolyn of Woodway; sister-in-law Burma Frisco; nieces Carol Ancelet, Rhonda Davis, nephew Allen and a very special and close friend Debbie McCoy.

If memorial is chosen, the Waco Kidney Foundation, Fuzzy Friends, Waco Animal Shelter, or charity of your choice.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Bruce in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.