Michael Christopher "Chris" Byrum

Michael Christopher “Chris” Byrum, of Ryland Road, Tyner, NC, passed away at his home on Sunday, September 27, 2026.

Born in Elizabeth City, NC, on June 25, 1968, Chris grew up in Belvidere and was the son of the late William E. Byrum, Sr. and Joyce Byrum. He was a graduate of Perquimans County High School and attended Nashville Auto-Diesel College.

Chris had a lifelong love for cars and anything mechanical. His interest began at an early age when he could often be found turning his bicycle upside down to work on it. That childhood curiosity grew into a career and eventually led him to become the owner and operator of County Line Automotive Body Shop. For Chris, working on cars was more than a profession—it was something he genuinely loved and a way he could lend a helping hand to neighbors, friends, and customers.

His passion for automobiles also extended to racing. Chris loved the excitement of the racetrack and was a former race car driver at Dixieland Speedway. Whether working under the hood, helping someone get back on the road, or spending time around the track, cars remained an important part of his life.

Chris was a member of Whiteville Grove Baptist Church.

In addition to his mother, Joyce Byrum of Belvidere, left to cherish his memory are his wife of 30 years, Shannon Miller Byrum of the home; two sons, Jacob Byrum and wife, Brooklyn, of Tyner, and Jordan Byrum and wife, Kaitlin, of Hertford; and a grandson, Crewe Miller Byrum. Chris deeply loved his boys, bonus daughters and grandson. He is also survived by two brothers, Gene Byrum and wife, Lisa, of Camden, and Tim Byrum and wife, Tina, of Belvidere; a brother-in-law, Bryan Miller and wife, Dawn, of Hertford; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members who were dear to him.

In addition to his father, William E. Byrum, Sr., Chris was preceded in death by an infant son, Christopher Jordan Byrum.

A memorial service celebrating Chris’s life will be held Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Whiteville Grove Baptist Church, 373 Perry’s Bridge Road, Belvidere, NC, with Pastor ELee Penwell officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church.

Flowers are welcomed and memorial contributions may be made to Whiteville Grove Baptist Church, PO Box 65, 373 Perry’s Bridge Road, Belvidere, NC 27919.

Miller & Van Essendelft Funeral Home, 1125 Harvey Point Road, Hertford, NC, is assisting the Byrum family. Online condolences may be shared by visiting the funeral home’s website www.millerfhc.com.