Dr. Joseph Nazaire “Butch” Byron, Jr., DMD, 74, of St. George, husband of Cathy Clayton Byron, entered eternal rest on Thursday, May 7, 2026, at his residence and surrounded by his family.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Zion Methodist Church with Reverend Ronnie Brewer officiating.  Burial will follow in the St. George Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Jason Byron, Tommy Clayton, Donny Clayton, David “Dude” Myers, Van Roach and Tim Dunn. Honorary Pallbearers will be Allen Brownlee, Brady Crook, Edward Hartzog and Michael Snyder

The family will receive friends Friday evening from 5:00-7:00 PM at Bryant Funeral Home, 607 North Parler Ave., St. George.

Butch was born on December 4, 1951, in Charleston, a son of the late Joseph Nazaire Byron, Sr. and Gloria Overcash Byron.  He was a 1969 graduate of Berkeley High School, where he excelled as a talented multi-sport athlete and earned numerous awards for his achievements. He went on to graduate from Baptist College (Charleston Southern University) in 1972 before earning his dental degree from Medical University of South Carolina in 1976. Following dental school, he devoted 46 years to practicing dentistry in St. George, where he became a respected and trusted member of the community. He was also a charter member of the St. George Rotary Club and served on the Board of Visitors at Charleston Southern University. He was an avid supporter of Dorchester Academy, serving on both the Board of Directors and the Booster Club. In his later years, he continued to support and cheer on his grandchildren in all their endeavors.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Butch loved training labrador retrievers for hunting, playing tennis, pickleball and softball for many years.  His enthusiasm for sports also included being a devoted fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks and proudly maintained membership of the Gamecock Club for 31 years. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandchildren, who affectionately knew him as “the best Granddaddy “Grandy” ever.”

He was predeceased by his nephew, Robbie Byron.

Surviving is his loving wife of 34 years, Cathy Byron, St. George; his children, Nichole (Scot) Tench, Brittany (Thomas) Wamer, Joseph Nazaire “Joey” Byron, III and Cadra (Earl) Hartzog; grandchildren, Ethan Reid, Emerson Tench, Bryant Wamer, Elli Reese Wamer, Gatsby Byron, J. Byron, Boone Hartzog and Banks Hartzog; a brother, Cyprian “Cippy” Byron; and, sisters, Renee Grooms, Terri Steely and Donna Byron.

Memorials may be made to the St. George Rotary Club, PO Box 636, St. George, SC 29477 or the St. George Diamond Youth, 102 Kelly Drive, St. George, SC 29477.