Byron Fannin

Byron Dillard Fannin, 96, beloved Father, was called to his eternal rest on December 26, 2020. He entered this world on November 8, 1924 in Birmingham, AL, born to Fred and Agnes Fannin. He is survived by his daughter, Vicky Kuruc; son, Fred Fannin; daughter, Susan Scribner and husband, Jeff; son, Michael Fannin and wife, Donna. He also leaves a brother, Robert Fannin, 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren and nieces and nephews.
Byron was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Patsy Wilson Fannin and grandson, Richard James Jr. He also leaves behind his friends at The Joy Center and especially Ruby Hendricks and Mary Lou Torres who became close friends.

Byron was raised in the Methodist Children’s Home in Selma, AL.

He served in the Air Force from 1943 to 1965, serving overseas including Japan the Philippines and Vietnam. He always had interesting stories about his life. In Aug of 1952 he participated in the USAF Operation Hajji Baba as a C-54 transport pilot to shuttle several thousand Hajj pilgrims from Beirut, Lebanon (where they were stranded) to Jedda Saudi Arabia where they could then proceed to the Holy City of Mecca. The grateful Saudi King Abdul Aziz Ibn Saud presented Byron and 85 other USAF personnel with a set of traditional robe, head scarf, and royal headband as a token of his appreciation.

The family lived in various places after he retired from the Air Force, including MA, GA, TX and NM. He and Patsy spent several years in Panama and South Korea with her job and then returned to Roswell NM where she was born and raised and where they first met. His greatest joy was his family. His winning smile and sweet spirit will be missed by all who knew him.

“As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.
But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him”

A memorial service will not be held at this time because of Covid but he will be interred at South Park Cemetery in Roswell NM.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his name to either The Methodist Children’s Home or the Chaves County Joy Center.