James Ray Bybee, Sr. age 79 of Lebanon, died Sunday, Jan. 25, 2026 at Alive Hospice in Nashville. Born Dec. 15, 1946, he was the son of the late Silas and Lillian Williams Bybee and was preceded in death by his brothers, Jerry, Tommy, Joe and Jim Bybee; sisters, Ruth Dickens, Francis Bybee and Sue Loftis; and a granddaughter, Kendra Nicole Bybee.

James was born in Dixon Springs and after high school graduation, he served in the U.S. Army. While raising his family he was employed in the timber industry as a logger.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Patricia Cherry Bybee; a son, James Bybee, Jr. and his wife, Michelle; daughter, Beverly Granstaff; grandchildren, Daniel Lefebvre, Ashley (Cory) Hale, Stephanie (Mark) Johnson, Chelsea (Tyler) Bryan, Jesse Anne Bybee and 12 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Bernice (Leslie) Denson and brothers, Billy Wayne Bybee, Harrell Bybee and Silas Bybee; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 at Hunter Funeral Home with Eric M. Wehmeyer officiating. Visitation will be from Noon till service time on Monday. Interment will follow at Conatser Cemetery.