Obituaries

Tay Byrum of Martinsville, VA died peacefully in Arbor Acres Retirement Community in Winston-Salem, NC on Monday morning December 4, 2023. He was surrounded by family and a tremendously dedicated healthcare staff.

Albert Gaskins Byrum Jr., Tay to his friends, was a generous and loving father and friend. Born to Albert Gaskins Byrum Sr. and Clara Ruth Pruden Byrum in Edenton, NC, Tay attended Edenton High School, Virginia Episcopal School, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC where he received his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Tay loved an adventure and upon completion of his degree, he joined the US Air Force and moved his family to Biggleswade, England serving as a dentist on Chicksands RAF base. While in England he and his wife Pasty traveled throughout Europe enjoying the sites and cultures. Upon returning to the US, Tay set up his dental practice only to return shortly thereafter to Farley Dickinson University to pursue an orthodontics degree. Tay practiced orthodontics in Martinsville, VA for 28 years. Being the only orthodontist in town for most of that time, he enjoyed getting to know many of the young people in Martinsville earning him the nickname "The Tooth Doctor". After retiring, he divided his time between Martinsville, VA, the Outer Banks of North Carolina, and Aspen, CO. Tay especially loved his home in Aspen, where he enjoyed skiing, gazing at Aspen Mountain, and dining in fine restaurants. He was good-natured and caring with many friends and loved ones who will miss him greatly.

Tay was a devoted member of Christ Episcopal Church and a long-standing member of Chatmoss Country Club. In addition, he was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather.

Tay is survived and forever loved by his three children, Holt, Ruth, and Buck; and his grandson Cole; and a large extended family.

A memorial service will be held at Christ Episcopal Church, 321 East Church Street, Martinsville, VA beginning at 1:30 p.m. on December 20, 2023, followed by a reception from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at Chatmoss Country Club, 550 Mt. Olivet Road, Axton, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Christ Episcopal Church, Martinsville, VA.

Salem Funeral Home is in charge.