Tommy Byars obit

Jesse Byars Obituary

 

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1928 - 2017 Jesse Tommy Byars, Sr., 88, of Beaumont, died Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at Harbor Hospice of Beaumont. He was born on December 27, 1928, in Beaumont, to Katie Cole Byars and Henry Raymond Byars, and was the owner of Byars' Harley Davidson in Beaumont. Tommy's father opened the first Harley Davidson motorcycle dealership in East Texas in 1918 and Tommy literally grew up in the business. He spent his youth wrenching, riding, and racing motorcycles. On the passing of his dad, Tommy took over the business, later adding the Suzuki brand, and continued to work there daily until it's closing in 1972. He earned his American Motorcycle Association Expert number in the heyday of Flat Track and TT Steeplechase dirt racing, riding along side of some of the countries all-time greats. His many racetrack friendships endured until his passing. He also mentored both his sons in their motorcycle racing careers. His other hobby was big game hunting. He traveled extensively throughout Texas and the Mountain West in search of big bucks and even bear. He also built custom rifles for family and friends. Tommy is survived by his wife of sixty-seven years, Joyce Ratcliff Byars, of Beaumont; sons, Jesse Tommy Byars, Jr. and his wife, Gladys, of Beaumont; and Robert W. Byars and his wife, Pat; grandchildren, Jason Byars and his wife, Shelly; John Thomas Byars and his wife, Tiffany; Randy Byars and his wife, Mary; Shawn Byars; and Barry Byars; and thirteen great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents. A private family committal for Mr. Byars' will be held at Broussard's Crematorium, Beaumont. Memorial Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, #4 Bayou Brandt, Suite B, Beaumont, Texas 77704. Complete and updated information may be found at: broussards1889.com.

Byars began his racing career in the mid-1940s. By 1944, Byars was assisting his father in refereeing and time keeping for motorcycle races.

Byars earned his Expert license, #63, through the American Motorcycle Association early in his racing career, during the heyday of Flat Track and TT Steeplechase dirt racing, riding alongside Caroll Resweber, Joe Leonard and Bobby Hill.

Byars started attending Harley Davidson schools for mechanics when he was about 17 years old. When the new Harley Davidson K model was introduced, Byars, being a factory-sponsored Harley rider, was issued one of the new models. He was one of the first six riders to be issued the new K model in 1951 before it was released on the market in 1952. Byars raced in numerous events and won several state and national titles, such as the Southwestern Championship, the Texas State Championship, and the Milwaukee National 5-mile race. Byars became known as the "Beaumont Hornet" after winning the Texas State Championship of the Houston Hornets. After winning the Southwest flat track motorcycle title in Houston, Byars respectively became the "Man to Beat".

Byars was ranked among the most popular men riders in the United States, rated top in numerous articles nationwide. If he was not winning the race, he was placing in the top 5 most of the time. He was unceasingly racing throughout the nation in state and national events and constantly making news. Such events included: Nashville, Tennessee; Shreveport, Louisiana; Sturgis, South Dakota; Springfield, Illinois; and Daytona Beach, Florida.