Byers Levy

Byers Levy, 59 Byers Levy, resident of Lakeland, passed away Sunday September 8th after being involved in a cycling accident while riding around Lake Hollingsworth. Byers was born in Lake City, South Carolina on November 27th, 1953. He grew up in Orlando and graduated from Oakridge High School as a Track Star winning many awards for his running ability. He continued his education at FTU in Orlando where he was a member of TKE Fraternity and graduated with a degree in finance in 1976. He worked for his Step-Father at Toy King from 1966-1987 beginning as a teen in the warehouse and through hard work earned his way to becoming President of the company. He then moved to the Lakeland area and was innovative in sales & marketing for 20 years as the sales manager/partner at Schalamar Creek Golf & Country Club which led to a sales and marketing position with the national home builder Palm Harbor Homes. Presently, he was the owner of Florida Gate Masters in Lakeland and J&J Sanitation. Byers was always involved in anything to do with fitness. Running, cycling, basketball etc.-he enjoyed them all but his passion was for cycling. He was training for a 150 mile charity bike ride to celebrate his upcoming 60th birthday. He loved his family, his friends, his work and cycling. Byers was preceded in death by his father, Sam Levy and his mother, Vonnie Lee Hart. Byers is survived by his loving wife of 21 years, Rowena Palis Levy, his brothers Spencer Phelps and Coit Yarborough, his children Sean, Jason, Rachel and Kacie Levy and his two grand-dogs, Rowdy and Louis. Byers had an amazing gift for making people laugh. He could also talk to anyone he had just met as though they had been friends for years. He will be greatly missed by all whose lives he had touched. He had such an amazingly optimistic outlook on life that was contagious to anyone around and his undeniable positive energy will live on through the people he knew and loved. A Celebration of Byers Levy""s life will take place at 3pm Friday, September 13, 2013 at the First United Methodist Church of Lakeland, 72 Lake Morton Drive. The family has started a charity in his memory to provide unprivileged children with their first bicycle. In lieu of flowers, please donate to : Byers"" Bikes C/O United Aid Foundation, 305 7th Avenue, Suite 1101, New York, New York 10001. Service: 09/13/2013 First United Methodist Church 72 Lake Morton Drive, Lakeland, Florida 33801