George Mullins Byrum

George Mullins Byrum, age 94, of Asheboro passed away on February 6, 2024 at his home. George was born at home in Randolph County on July 4, 1929 to Rev. William James and Christine Marshall Byrum. In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his brother, James Byrum, and sisters, Barbara Russell and Nancy Gann. 

George graduated from Asheboro High School in 1947 and served his country in the U.S. Army. George married Hazel Lois Trotter on December 18, 1954, and was exceptionally proud of their two daughters. He was employed with Burlington Industries and retired from Kayser-Roth in 1992. George lived life to the fullest and was active in his community.  Known by many as the “Bee Man,” he was a founding member of the Randolph County Beekeepers Association where he remained active for 50 years, some of those as president.  He was an avid volunteer at the NC Zoo and was an advocate for opening the Honeybee Exhibit.  George and his wife were members of Oakwood Park Baptist Church, where he was a Sunday School teacher for 60 years. He enjoyed Asheboro’s Senior Adult Center and was a former volunteer for Meals on Wheels. He had an incredible work ethic, growing a vegetable garden each year, and chopping his own firewood well into his 90’s. George was a lifelong learner who enjoyed reading, poetry and history. He kept up with advancements in science and technology and enjoyed discussing with friends and family. He was an engaging grandfather who had a special bond with each of his grandchildren.

 He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Hazel Lois Trotter Byrum; daughters, Crystal Byrum Teague and husband Mark of Asheboro and Ellen Byrum and husband Curt O’Briant of Asheboro; grandchildren, Dylan Teague of High Point, Lennon Teague and wife Bethany of Asheboro, Kristen Brantley and husband Daniel of Asheboro, and Georgia Morgan of New York City; great grandchildren, MacKenzie Teague and Jonah Teague.

The family will receive friends on Friday, February 9, 2024 from 10:30-11:45 am at Pugh Funeral Home, 437 Sunset Avenue in Asheboro.  Funeral services will follow on Friday at 12 noon at the Pugh Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Danny Hosler officiating.  Interment will be held at Randolph Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the Randolph County Beekeepers Association, 1003 S. Fayetteville St., Asheboro, NC 27203 or Randolph County Hospice, 416 Vision Dr., Asheboro, NC 27203.