Tommy Byars

Byars was the son of Katy Elphám Cole and Henry Raymond Byars, also known as Ray Byars. He was a resident of Beaumont, Texas, where he owned and operated the Harley Davidson and Suzuki Dealerships. Byars' father, Ray Byars, opened his first business in 1918 where it evolved over three years into the first Harley-Davidson dealership of East Texas.{{cite news|author= |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A11FCD9F6C526DCD9%40GB3NEWS-168C86EE25C530AB%402426594-168C826F95972F5E%404-168C826F95972F5E%40?h=1&fname=Ray&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=9%20Sep%201931&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=date&%209|url-access=subscription|title=Harley Davidson Dealer Ray Byars |date=September 9, 1931 |work=The Beaumont Enterprise|page=5|via=GenealogyBank|access-date= }} Byars grew up in the motorcycle business, spending his youth in his father's bicycle/motorcycle shop. Byars began racing bicycles at 12 years old and advanced to racing motorcycle in his teens.{{cite news|author= |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1379ABB5EAD0D0AA%40GB3NEWS-1699E0D9145DC7F2%402429794-1699DD5D9494927B%4012-1699DD5D9494927B%40?h=1&fname=tommy%20&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=Jun%2013%2C%201940&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=date&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=lprkbqsdnitayzykhqezrhjvwcrpspkn_wma-gateway015_1667059398906|url-access=subscription|title=350 Cyclists Take Part in Safety Circus, Prizes|date=June 13, 1940 |work=Beaumont Journal|page=13|via=GenealogyBank|access-date=}}{{cite news|author=|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1379ABB5EAD0D0AA%40GB3NEWS-1699E0DDD9982BC1%402429795-1699DDC2A49DDA5B%4014-1699DDC2A49DDA5B%40?h=1&fname=tommy%20&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=Jun%2014%2C%201940&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=date&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=mmsmyeedscqlhuhswiyylykyizexyabq_wma-gateway001_1667059347180 |url-access=subscription|title=350 Cyclists Flag Day Observance, First Prizes|date=June 14, 1940 |work=Beaumont Journal|page=15|via=GenealogyBank|access-date=}}

File:Byars' Harley Davidson Shop.jpg

Byars began his racing career in the mid-1940s. By 1944, Byars was assisting his father in refereeing and time keeping for motorcycle races.{{cite news |author= |date= September 4, 1944|title=Eight Races Held at Turning Basin, Assistant Time Keeper |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1379ABB5EAD0D0AA%40GB3NEWS-169C62BDEC0753CF%402431338-169BE9B427E304EF%4011-169BE9B427E304EF%40?h=1&fname=Tommy&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=timekeeper&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=%20&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=date&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=kdnomncgnwszllwdawccqiwalqmxfpky_wma-gateway005_1665237072543|url-access=subscription |work=Beaumont Journal|access-date=October 9, 2022|page=12|via=GenealogyBank }}

Byars earned his Expert license, #63, through the American Motorcycle Association early in his racing career, during the heyday of Flat Track and TT Steeplechase dirt racing, riding alongside Caroll Resweber,{{cite news |author= |date= August 11, 1957 |title=Cycle Entries Topped by Resweber, Leonard |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1477BBDEA50EB75C%40GB3NEWS-15A3F280CAB52B73%402436062-15A158BF0C35542F%4049-15A158BF0C35542F%40?h=1&fname=Carroll%20&lname=Resweber&fullname=&kwinc=%20&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=11%20Aug%201957&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=date&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=kemcsrigwmwgcodgtcwxlqpwiooodjpg_wma-gateway011_1665951037720 |url-access=subscription|work=The Milwaukee Journal|page=50|via=GenealogyBank }}{{cite news |author= |date=March 6, 2000 |title=Legends, continued from page 1|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A14C8339FD081D3E4%40GB3NEWS-18297143DF4A2A2A%402451610-18250A783312662D%401-18250A783312662D%40?h=1&fname=Daytona%20Beach%20News%20&lname=&fullname=&kwinc=Legends&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=6%20Mar%202000&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=date&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=pijibyukcieeiousxollrszzyhlwvtxl_wma-gateway004_1665950442291 |url-access=subscription|work=The News Journal |location=Daytona Beach, Florida|page=2|via=GenealogyBank }}{{cite news |author= |date= March 6, 2000|title=Fan Turnout to see racing 'Legends' |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A14C8339FD081D3E4%40GB3NEWS-18297147B5B28FCC%402451610-18250A783406C6F3%400-18250A783406C6F3%40?h=2&fname=Daytona%20Beach%20News%20&lname=&fullname=&kwinc=Legends&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=6%20Mar%202000&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=date&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=pijibyukcieeiousxollrszzyhlwvtxl_wma-gateway004_1665950442291 |url-access=subscription|work= The News Journal |location= Daytona Beach, Florida|page=1|via=GenealogyBank }} Joe Leonard{{cite news |author= |date=August 21, 1955 |title=Here's Today's Entry List For Motorcycle Card |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A13D09C142C972071%40GB3NEWS-1528CC1BF488C392%402435341-1528581268673D6D%4019-1528581268673D6D%40?h=7&fname=Joe%20&lname=Leonard&fullname=&kwinc=motorcycle%20tommy%20byars&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=fuzmnneirmctbjeyxmfycvotoljzxbkq_wma-gateway001_1665547684309 |url-access=subscription|work=Illinois State Journal and Register |location=Springfield, Illinois |page=20 |via=GenealogyBank }} and Bobby Hill.{{cite news |author= |date=March 9, 1955 |title=Beaumont Motorcyclist to Race in Florida Classic |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1379ABB5EAD0D0AA%40GB3NEWS-16A075ECA8598DA3%402435176-169F214F6A432F5D%4014-169F214F6A432F5D%40?h=3&fname=Bobby&lname=Hill&fullname=&kwinc=motorcycle%20tommy%20byars&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=dkdpkicngjghfibkbetcohfaxeeetfgz_wma-gateway016_1665547211557 |url-access=subscription|work=Beaumont Journal|page=15|via=GenealogyBank }}{{cite news |author= |date= June 6, 1955|title= Byars Captures Cycle Feature|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109740453/byars-captures-cycle-feature/ |work=Fort Worth Star-Telegram|page=12|via=GenealogyBank}}

Byars started attending Harley Davidson schools for mechanics when he was about 17 years old. When the new Harley Davidson K model was introduced, Byars, being a factory-sponsored Harley rider, was issued one of the new models. He was one of the first six riders to be issued the new K model in 1951 before it was released on the market in 1952. Byars raced in numerous events and won several state and national titles, such as the Southwestern Championship,{{cite news |author= |date=October 29, 1953 |title=Local Cyclist Replaces Ex-Beaumonter as SW Champ |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1379ABB5EAD0D0AA%40GB3NEWS-169F33065B69B9BC%402434680-169EC719B3687F85%4047-169EC719B3687F85%40?h=1&fname=Tommy&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=29%20Oct%201953&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=date&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=jmnrxnlefpxkdnivsiubufocdnwrsajl_wma-gateway005_1665240473936 |url-access=subscription|work=Beaumont Enterprise|page=48|via=GenealogyBank }} the Texas State Championship,{{cite news |author= |date=July 23, 1954 |title=Bike Aces Arrive Here for Big Race |url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110937933/bike-aces-arrive-for-big-race-here/|work=San Mateo County Times|page= 9|via=GenealogyBank }}{{cite news |author= |date=July 23, 1954 |title=Texas Cycle Champ to Race at Meadows |url= https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A142051F45F422A02%40GB3NEWS-1506CE2CD733F7E5%402434947-15067C04E4455ACA%4019-15067C04E4455ACA%40?h=1&fname=Tommy%20&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=Texas%20Cycle%20Champ%20to%20Race%20at%20Meadows&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=%20&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=hmkbkkwgjppdktymmlkrcddgdnqejuct_wma-gateway007_1665242664695|url-access=subscription|work=San Francisco Chronicle|page=20|via=GenealogyBank }} and the Milwaukee National 5-mile race. Byars became known as the "Beaumont Hornet" after winning the Texas State Championship of the Houston Hornets.{{cite news |last=Linder|first=Cy|date= January 1956 |title=Piston Poppin' |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=7_sDAAAAMBAJ&dq=Tommy+Byars&pg=PA27 |work= American Motorcyclist |location=Houston, Texas |page=19}}{{cite news |author= |date=January 1955 |title=Views In The News-Tommy Byars (63) Barrels his Harley Davidson across the finish line to win the Southwest Championship race |url= https://books.google.com/books?id=_PsDAAAAMBAJ&dq=Tommy+Byars&pg=PA35|work=American Motorcyclist |location=Shreveport, Louisiana|page=35|via=GenealogyBank }} After winning the Southwest flat track motorcycle title in Houston, Byars respectively became the "Man to Beat".{{cite news |author= |date= October 27, 1953|title= Byars is Rated 'Man to Beat' for State Fair Cycle Honors|url=https://www.newspapers.com/image/213170870/?terms=Tommy%20Byars&match=1 |url-access=subscription|work=The Times |location=Shreveport, Louisiana|page=15|via=GenealogyBank}}

Byars was ranked among the most popular men riders in the United States, rated top in numerous articles nationwide. If he was not winning the race, he was placing in the top 5 most of the time.{{cite news |author= |date=October 1955 |title=Official Results 9 Mile National Championship |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8vsDAAAAMBAJ&dq=Tommy+Byars&pg=PA29 |work=American Motorcyclist |location=Milwaukee, WI|page=29}}{{cite news |author= |date=April 1955 |title=Popular Men Riders |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9_sDAAAAMBAJ&dq=Tommy+Byars&pg=PA38 |work=American Motorcyclist |location=America|page=38}}{{cite news |author= |date=October 27, 1953 |title= Byars Rated 'Man to Beat' |url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109988880/tommy-byars-man-to-beat/|url-access=subscription|work=The Times|location= Shreveport, Louisiana|page=15}} He was unceasingly racing throughout the nation in state and national events and constantly making news. Such events included: Nashville, Tennessee;{{cite news |author= |date=August 30, 1952 |title= Tommy Byars Here for Motorcycle Races|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/109740918/tommy-byars-here-for-motorcycle-races/#|url-access=subscription|work=Nashville Banner|page= 10|via=GenealogyBank }} Shreveport, Louisiana;{{cite news |author= |date=September 6, 1953 |title=50 Motorcyclist Scheduled to Race in Events Here Today, One of Nation's Best, Tommy Byars |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110939796/50-motorcyclist-scheduled-to-race-in/ |url-access=subscription|work=The Times|location=Shreveport, LA|page=19}}{{cite news |author= |date= October 22, 1955|title=40 Riders in State Fair Event|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110941218/40-riders-in-state-fair-event-tommy/|work=The Times|location= Shreveport, LA}}{{cite news |author= |date=May 31, 1956 |title=Motorcycle Champions to Race Sunday, Tommy Byars, four-time Texas State and Southwest Champion |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110941557/motorcycle-champions-to-race-sunday/|url-access=subscription|work=The Times|location=Shreveport, Louisiana|via=GenealogyBank }}{{cite news |author= |date= October 22, 1957|title=Southwest Regional Cycle Races Booked |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110942270/southwest-regional-cycle-races-booked/|url-access=subscription|work=The Times|location=Shreveport, Louisiana |via=GenealogyBank }}{{cite news |author= |date= July 17, 1949|title=Motorcycle Races Slated Today at Fair Grounds |url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110943034/motorcycle-races-slated-today-at-fair/|url-access=subscription|work=The Times|location=Shreveport, Louisiana|via=GenealogyBank }} Sturgis, South Dakota;{{cite news |last=Edeburn|first=Carl|date=2003 |title=Sturgis: The Story of the Rally |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=qpOo56L6FnMC&q=Tommy+Byars |url-access=subscription|page=110|via=Google Books |location=Sturgis, South Dakota}} Springfield, Illinois;{{cite news |author= |date=August 21, 1955 |title=Today's Entry List For Motorcycle Card |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A13D09C142C972071%40GB3NEWS-1528CC1BF488C392%402435341-1528581268673D6D%4019-1528581268673D6D%40?h=7&fname=Joe%20&lname=Leonard&fullname=&kwinc=motorcycle%20tommy%20byars&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=fuzmnneirmctbjeyxmfycvotoljzxbkq_wma-gateway001_1665547684309 |url-access=subscription|work=Illinois State Journal and Register |location=Springfield, Illinois|via=GenealogyBank}} and Daytona Beach, Florida.{{cite news |author= |date=March 11, 1949 |title=Entries for 100-mile Daytona Beach Race Saturday |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A14CA1D695062F669%40GB3NEWS-170CE0C478E9E00A%402432987-17094EA50BB1B376%4011-17094EA50BB1B376%40?h=1&fname=Tommy&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=11%20Mar%201949&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=date&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=abehyzlcsiuyvvsmoipjvsapiagfizxs_wma-gateway009_1665243998045|url-access=subscription|work= Daytona Beach Morning Journal|location= Daytona Beach, Florida|via=GenealogyBank }}{{cite news |author= |date=January 16, 1953 |title= Motorcycle Racer, Expert From Beaumont, Texas|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110938591/motorcycle-racer-expert-from-beaumont/ |work= The Times|location= Shreveport, Louisiana|via=GenealogyBank}}{{cite news |author= |date=May 15, 1953 |title= Motorcycle Races Sunday at Gulfcoast Speedway|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110939049/motorcycle-races-sunday-at-gulfcoast/|url-access=subscription|work=Sun Herald|location=Biloxi, Mississippi |via=GenealogyBank }}{{cite news |author= |date=June 8, 1953|title=New Mark Set in Cycle Races, Tommy Byars, High Money Winner |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110939389/new-mark-set-in-cycle-races-tommy/ |url-access=subscription|work= Fort Worth Star-Telegram|location=Fort Worth, Texas |via=GenealogyBank }}{{cite news |author= |date= April 26, 1954|title=Byars Cops Cycle Race |url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110940216/byars-cops-cycle-race/|url-access=subscription|work=Austin American-Statesman |location=Austin, Texas |via=GenealogyBank}}{{cite news |author= |date= October 20, 1954|title= Cycle Title Up For Grabs|url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110940513/cycle-title-up-for-grabs/ |url-access=subscription|work=The Times|location=Shreveport, Louisiana|via=GenealogyBank }}{{cite news |author= |date= May 8, 1954|title= Cycle Races at Fort Worth|url= https://www.newspapers.com/clip/110940724/cycle-races-at-fort-worth/|url-access=subscription|work=Times Record News|location=Wichita Falls, Texas|via=GenealogyBank}}

By 1957, Byars' Harley Davidson dealership required his undivided attention. Although his racing career ended, he continued in the racing industry by mentoring both of his sons, Tommy Byars,Jr.{{cite news |author= |date=March 11, 1971 |title=Light Weight Class Winners in Victory Lane |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A14CA1D695062F669%40GB3NEWS-1727DE2F8C5725FB%402441022-1727ADCBE9B5C451%400-1727ADCBE9B5C451%40?h=2&fname=Tommy&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1970&rgtoDate=2000&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=zboorjgoewdkwyqvqmiwuxcmizumwvnc_wma-gateway018_1665421567454 |url-access=subscription|work=Datona Beach Morning Journal |location=Daytona, FL|via=GenealogyBank }}{{cite news |author= |date=May 1971 |title=Daytona Classics, Tommy Byars, Jr. wins 1st Place |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WfcDAAAAMBAJ&dq=Tommy+Byars&pg=PA13 |url-access=subscription|work=American Motorcyclist |location=Daytona, Florida|via=GenealogyBank }} and Robert "Bubba" Byars,{{cite news |author= |date=May 1975 |title=It's 'Run What You Brung' Amateur Day |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=TvkDAAAAMBAJ&dq=Robert+Byars&pg=PA15 |work=American Motorcyclist |location=Daytona, Florida|via=GenealogyBank }} in road racing, drag racing and flat track racing in the 1970s.{{cite news |author= |date=March 8, 1975 |title=Results of 100 Mile Experts/Juniors Combined |url= https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A14C8339FD081D3E4%40GB3NEWS-1714E62762F620D7%402442481-1714E3CF054A229C%4010-1714E3CF054A229C%40?h=1&fname=%20Tommy%20&lname=byars&fullname=&kwinc=March%208%2C%201975&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1690&rgtoDate=2018&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=sdodqpwhqpqyseiuvtqecmhflrkxoeqf_wma-gateway004_1672365567943|url-access=subscription|work=AMA News |location=Datona International Speedway|via=GenealogyBank }}

Byars was the heir of his father's business where he owned and operated the Harley Davidson dealership in Beaumont, TX. Byars literally grew up in the business, spending his youth repairing, riding and racing bicycles and motorcycles.{{cite news|author= |date=June 13, 1940 |title=350 Cyclists Take Part in Safety Circus, Prizes |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1379ABB5EAD0D0AA%40GB3NEWS-1699E0D9145DC7F2%402429794-1699DD5D9494927B%4012-1699DD5D9494927B%40?h=1&fname=tommy%20&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=Jun%2013%2C%201940&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=date&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=lprkbqsdnitayzykhqezrhjvwcrpspkn_wma-gateway015_1667059398906 |work=Beaumont Journal Newspaper |location=Beaumont, TX |page=5}}{{cite news|author=Beaumont Journal|date=June 14, 1940 |title=350 Cyclists Flag Day Observance, First Prizes |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1379ABB5EAD0D0AA%40GB3NEWS-1699E0DDD9982BC1%402429795-1699DDC2A49DDA5B%4014-1699DDC2A49DDA5B%40?h=1&fname=tommy%20&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=Jun%2014%2C%201940&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=date&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=mmsmyeedscqlhuhswiyylykyizexyabq_wma-gateway001_1667059347180 |work=Beaumont Journal Newspaper |location=Beaumont, TX |page=15}}

In the 40s, while working in his father's shop, Byars was seriously burned in an explosion. When he went to clean the grease from his hands, he grabbed a bucket of what he thought was kerosene that had been accidentally replaced with gasoline by his mother. Byars carried the bucket with him to the bathroom and poured the fluid on his hands where the fumes from the gasoline ignited by a pilot light on a nearby hot water heater causing an explosion. He was taken to Hotel Dieu Hospital in Beaumont, TX where he was treated and hospitalized for his burns.{{cite news|author= |date=November 28, 1941 |title=Tommy Byars Burned Friday|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1379ABB5EAD0D0AA%40GB3NEWS-169C351528CEBBD6%402430327-169AD79007630D5A%408-169AD79007630D5A%40?h=2&fname=Tommy%20&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=%20&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1690&rgtoDate=1971&formDate=1941&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=date&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=izylhtpieytqmroayuezoqtazqisxrjk_wma-gateway016_1672777067711 |work=Beaumont Journal|location=Beaumont, TX|page=9}}{{cite news |author= |date=November 29, 1941 |title=Town Talk, condition of Tommy Byars|url= https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1379ABB5EAD0D0AA%40GB3NEWS-169C3515F9085E87%402430328-169AD7908FDB98C4%401-169AD7908FDB98C4%40?h=3&fname=Tommy%20&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=%20&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1690&rgtoDate=1971&formDate=1941&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=date&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=izylhtpieytqmroayuezoqtazqisxrjk_wma-gateway016_1672777067711 |work=Beaumont Journal|location=Beaumont, TX|page=2}}

Byars was at the height of his racing career in 1952 when his father died.{{cite news |author= |date=November 21, 1952 |title=Ray Byars, 53, Lifelong City Resident Dies |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1379ABB5EAD0D0AA%40GB3NEWS-169F2134E29746C5%402434338-169EABC74CF4C9CC%401-169EABC74CF4C9CC%40?h=1&fname=ray%20&lname=byars&fullname=&kwinc=&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1952&rgtoDate=1952&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=cuvvfeixzoccbjpsjnjwnhrazwpuqwur_wma-gateway001_1672781537398 |url-access=subscription|work=Beaumont Journal |location=Beaumont, TX|access-date=|page=2}} After inheriting the business from his father, the dealership became more demanding of Byars’ attention; however, Byars continued to share his time between operating the dealership and professionally racing throughout the nation for several years. In 1957, the business was legally transferred into Byars’ name after his father's estate was settled.{{cite news |author= |date= |title=Online Real Estate Records, Affidavit of Identify|number=9509773 |url=https://jeffersontxclerk.manatron.com/ |work=Jefferson County Clerk Web Access |location=Beaumont, TX |access-date=January 3, 2023}}{{cite news |author= |date= |title=Jefferson County Real Estate records |url=https://jeffersontxclerk.manatron.com/ |url-access=subscription|work= Jefferson County Clerk Web Access|location=Beaumont, TX |access-date=January 3, 2023}}

Byars’ business demanded his undivided attention; therefore, Byars was forced to retire from his racing career. Byars continued to sell Harley Davidson motorcycles throughout the 50s, 60s and early 70s and later adding Suzuki motorcycles to his business, advertising as Byars Harley Davidson-Suzuki.

In 1973, Byars invested in a new enterprise in the marketing of his motorcycles. Since Suzuki motorcycles were more equitable and becoming more popular for marketing, Byars relinquished his entire assets of the Harley Davidson dealership and contracted with the Suzuki manufacturers, organizing a new cooperation, Suzuki, INC., of Beaumont. Byars continued to own and operate his business until he retired in the late 80s.{{cite news|author= |date=April 30, 1973 |title=Legal Notice News |url= https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1379ABB5EAD0D0AA%40GB3NEWS-16C413EE0BB3959D%402441803-16C3974A736894AF%4023-16C3974A736894AF%40?h=1&fname=Byars%20Suzuki&lname=%20&fullname=&kwinc=byars&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1690&rgtoDate=1971&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=date&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=taoqqxtexhapdaarfmpczaevnhpjuolb_wma-gateway001_1672773076276 |url-access=subscription|work=Beaumont Journal|location=Beaumont, TX|page=24}}

File:Tommy Byars -63.jpg

In 1999, Byars was inducted into the Daytona Motorcycle Hall of Fame. In his latter years, he was invited for autograph signings to many racing events in recognition of former state and national champions.{{cite news |last= Graham|first=Joy |date= September 7, 2011|title=1999 Daytona Beach Hall of Fame Inductee, Tommy Byars |url= |work=The Vidorian Shopper |location= Vidor, TX}}{{cite web |author= |date=2021 |title=1999 Framed Autographed Motorcycle Racing Greats |url=https://www.mecum.com/lots/LV0121-474859/1999-framed-autographed-motorcycle-racing-greats-print/ |work=Mecum Auctions Road Art |location=Las Vegas, NV }} In March 2002, the Daytona 200 monument was built and presented to the City of Daytona Beach by the people and various companies to preserve the memories of the original riders that raced on the beach at Daytona. Byars' name is carved in stone at this monument.{{cite news |author= |date= March 6, 2000|title=Legends |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A14C8339FD081D3E4%40GB3NEWS-18297143DF4A2A2A%402451610-18250A783312662D%401-18250A783312662D%40?h=2&fname=Tommy&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1999&rgtoDate=2000&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=bhvqtmfioskbqwdxwlkzxkfahlxtlunv_wma-gateway006_1665368480783 |work=The News-Journal |location=Daytona Beach, FL }}

Byars married Joyce Ratcliff, the daughter of Viola Walsh and Midlredge B. Ratcliff; they had two sons, Jessie Thomas Byars Jr., born September 30, 1949,{{cite news |author= |date=October 1, 1949|title=Stork News |url= https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1379ABB5EAD0D0AA%40GB3NEWS-169F54101B461685%402433191-169EEE7D26724ADB%402-169EEE7D26724ADB%40?h=1&fname=Tommy%20&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=stork%20news&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1949&rgtoDate=1949&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=gmckpwwskfnuqutbybhsasnmqqrywyuw_wma-gateway002_1665588923719 |work=Beaumont Journal News |location=Beaumont, TX }} in Beaumont and Robert Wayne "Bubba" Byars, born October 3, 1951, in Beaumont.{{cite news |author= |date= October 3, 1951|title=Stork News |url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1379ABB5EAD0D0AA%40GB3NEWS-169ED5285AAFA519%402433923-169E7549E6E4CD7D%406-169E7549E6E4CD7D%40?h=1&fname=Tommy&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=Stork%20News&kwexc=&rgfromDate=1951&rgtoDate=1951&formDate=&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=aavqbbjzxbppeurgepyvsvazxjzoptzr_wma-gateway004_1665589092149|work=Beaumont Journal News |location=Beaumont, TX }} Byars left 5 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Besides his main occupation of racing and selling motorcycles, Byars was interested in other competitions, such as boat racing{{cite news|author= |date=July 12, 1940 |title=Fast Craft Enter Neches Boat Clubs's Summer Regatta Sunday|url=https://www.genealogybank.com/doc/newspapers/image/v2%3A1379ABB5EAD0D0AA%40GB3NEWS-169C7F4BD8E9AAEB%402431649-169C7B89256CC89E%4018-169C7B89256CC89E%40?h=1&fname=tommy&lname=Byars&fullname=&kwinc=boat%20%20race&kwexc=&rgfromDate=&rgtoDate=&formDate=Jun%2013%2C%201940&formDateFlex=exact&dateType=range&processingtime=&addedFrom=&addedTo=&sid=wisbujvnmfggstkedkkaufnppetqzfqu_wma-gateway003_1667060342929 |work=Beaumont Journal Newspaper |location=Beaumont, TX }} and big game hunting.

After a long illness, Byars died at Harbor Hospice on February 22, 2017, in his home town of Beaumont.{{cite news |author= |date= February 26, 2017 |title= Jesse Thomas Byars, Sr. Obituary|url= https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/beaumontenterprise/name/jesse-byars-obituary?id=17199598 |work=Beaumont Enterprise|location=Beaumont, TX}}

{{reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Byars, Tommy}}

Category:1928 births

Category:2017 deaths

Category:American motorcycle racers

Category:Sportspeople from Beaumont, Texas

Category:Suzuki people

Category:Harley-Davidson people