FRANKLIN – F. Hanes Byerly, 81, passed away June 24, 2017.

The son of Louise Hanes and Kenneth R. Byerly, Hanes spent his early years in North Carolina and Montana. He graduated from Fergus High School, Lewistown, Montana, in 1953. He attended the University of Miami, then served three years in the United States Army.

Hanes began his newspaper career in Rock Springs, Wyoming. In 1960, he acquired the Tidewater News in Franklin, VA, where he remained Publisher for forty-six years. He built Byerly Publications into nine community newspapers, all located in Virginia. Hanes was also a partner in Apollo Plastics, Franklin, for many years.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Belinda Byerly-Robins and husband, Scott, of Santa Cruz, CA, and The Sea Ranch, CA; his brother David Byerly of Lewistown, Montana; his grandchildren Avery Robins of Santa Cruz, CA, and Marshall Robins of Santa Cruz, CA: his niece Cassie Byerly; his nephews Chris Byerly and Jon Byerly.  He was predeceased by a brother, Ken Byerly Jr.

Memorial gifts may be made to the charity of your choice. www.wrightfuneralhome.org