Baptist and Reflector
LARRY BYASSEE
RIDGELY – Tennessee Baptist pastor Larry Byassee and his wife, Shirley, were killed Oct. 26 in an automobile accident on State Highway 78 near Ridgely, according to news reports.
Byassee, 71, was pastor of Wynnburg Baptist Church in Lake County. He had just preached his last sermon at the church. He and his wife were in the process of moving to Hermitage to be near their daughter and son-in-law Michelle and Jeremy Lyell.
According to news accounts, Lyell was driving a 2008 Chevrolet Equinox when an oncoming car moved into their lane, striking them head on. The Byassees were passengers in the car.
As of Oct. 28, both Lyell and his wife were in a critical care unit at a Memphis hospital.
Jack Long, director of missions for Beulah Baptist Association, described Byassee as a pastor “who loved people and who loved the Lord. He was a true servant,” Long said.
Long noted that Byassee had served as a pastor for many years. After leaving the pastorate he served for several years as custodian at Second Baptist Church in Union City before being called as pastor of Wynnburg Baptist Church.
“He served Christ in whatever he did and he did it to the best of his ability,” Long observed.
Long added that Byassee had done an “excellent” job while serving as pastor at Wynnburg Baptist. “The people loved him and the church had grown during his ministry.”
Funeral services for the Byassees will be delayed until his daughter and son-in-law are able to attend, Long said.
Long asked for continued prayer for the Lyells and their other daughter, Theresa Beane.
