Byram A Bynes

Byram Aaron Bynes was born on a winter’s day, January 4th, 1955, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Lula Bell White Bynes and Lewis Lagun. He entered the world at City Hospital and was baptized as a young boy at St. Timothy Missionary Baptist Church on East 79th Street—an early rite of passage that marked his beginning, though his relationship with faith remained quiet and personal throughout his life.

Byram’s journey began in the neighborhoods of Cleveland, where he attended Dunham Elementary, Beehive Elementary, Elliot Junior High, and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in 1974. He went on to study at Ohio University in Athens, ever curious and eager to grow. Byram had a bold enthusiasm for learning, especially when it came to computers and astronomy—subjects he spoke about with unmistakable energy and wonder. Whether rebuilding a desktop or marveling at the stars, his passion was impossible to miss. He was President of his Co-Ed Fraternity 

From his early years, Byram was shaped by strong family values and a deep appreciation for hard work. He began his professional journey at King’s Men’s Shop in the Lee Harvard Shopping Center, a business owned by his beloved aunt and uncle, William and Gustina White. With time and determination, he became his own boss, working as a skilled general contractor—applying his craftsmanship to improve homes, including lovingly renovating several rooms in his mother’s house. He also worked for 26 years as a machine operator at TRW (Sherwood Refractories), followed by a decade at Progressive Insurance before retiring. Handy and proud, Byram poured care into every project and took great satisfaction in owning and renovating his own home, leaving his touch in every corner.

He married Diane Hollis Bynes, embracing her children, Tony and Angie, with open arms. Later, with Bonnie Newell, he welcomed his daughter Bryana Warren, who—together with her husband Gerald—gave Byram one of his greatest joys and sources of pride: his grandson, Alexion. Byram was a man of community and many interests. He participated in the Boy Scouts, coached little league baseball, and held a lifelong love for football and basketball. He and his mother shared a special ritual—calling each other on the phone to sync their TVs and watch the games together, cheering (and sometimes groaning) in perfect harmony from their own homes. But it was bowling that truly lit his spirit—his perfect 300 games and well-earned trophies telling stories of joy, skill, focus, and friendly competition.

He is survived by his loving daughter Bryana Warren (Gerald), his devoted mother Lula Bell Collins, and his siblings: Deborah Ann James, Brenda Bynes, and Bonita Collins Prewitt (Kevin). His legacy continues through a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and dear friends who loved him deeply. In reflecting on the bond Byram shared with his mother—a bond that remained steadfast through every chapter of life—these words speak to the depth of their love: "Thank you, Mom, for giving me life and loving me unconditionally. We share a special bond that will be cherished always. I will always love and stay in your heart forever—until we meet again. My spirit lives on in your heart, and I am safe in the arms of God." “See you later, alligator… after while, crocodile.”

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