David Byrnside

David was born at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, DC on October 22, 1955. As a young boy, we learned that he would be a "little slow". He attended several special schools and tried valiantly to learn to read and write, but was unable to. For a time he attended Magnolia School in New Orleans and became a dedicated "Saints" fan.
He was a happy fellow and much loved by his parents and siblings. He loved riding bikes, watching football, playing music, watching the stars at night with his telescope, trying to fly with a towel cape, and shooting his bow and arrow.
When he became a teenager, he was employed by Goodwill Industries and proudly worked there for eleven years as a bicycle mechanic on simple bikes. It was at this time that gran mal seizures began, and he was unable to find any kind of employment
He was obsessed with working on small electronics, and his room was a landmine of parts all over the place. He did simple tasks around the house and yard; usually with a smile, but when he was angry, which was rare, we called him "The Storm Cloud". Overall, he was extremely helpful to his parents.
His one vice was smoking which we tried to get him to overcome, but it was futile...It caused him to have a number of health issues as he aged. At one point his toes turned black and they were nearly amputated. Just before he died, he prayed that other acquaintances would quit smoking. He finally acknowledged the damage cigarettes had done to his body and begged others to quit Now!
On October 22nd, he celebrated his 61st birthday in the hospital following surgery. He was delighted with the balloons, flowers, gifts, and Get Well cards. The birthday was filled with love for him and from him! That night he suffered a violent seizure from which he never recovered. On October 31st, on his Grandmother's birthday, he went to join her in heaven.
He is survived by his parents, Major (Ret) John and Elaine Byrnside; Brothers: Major (Ret) Henry Franklin/Nina, of Stafford. VA; SSG (Ret) Joseph of Ozark, AL; and Michael of Columbus. His sisters: Deborah/Carlos Algarin of Cataula, GA and Rochelle Byrnside of Chaptico, MD. Also, a Great Uncle Lawrence Schultz of Sherborne, MN, and numerous Aunts, Uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and five great nieces and two great nephews.
We are deeply grateful to his Pastor, Rev. Eric Estes who rarely missed a day visiting him and bringing him the sacrament. We also wish to thank the fine staff at St. Francis; especially Dr. David White, and to all the capable and loving nurses, especially those in ICU. McMullen Funeral Home has provided us with much needed guidance and assistance.
David's funeral will be held Monday, November 7th, 2016 at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 4700 Armour Road, Columbus, GA. Viewing will be in the Narthex at 10:00 AM. The funeral will be at 11:00 AM. Following the service there will be eulogies, a video and a meal for all in attendance.

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