Daniel Stelle Byrum, 78, of Raleigh, North Carolina passed away peacefully on Friday, March 6th, 2026, at ECU Medical Center, surrounded by the family he spent his life protecting and providing for.

To the Raleigh construction community, Dan was a relationship-first leader; to his family, he was their beloved GranDan. He was a deeply spiritual man whose character was defined by his humility and his gift for lifting others up. He rarely spoke of himself, choosing instead to greet every person with a genuinely kind word and a sincere interest in how they were faring.

Born to the late Addison Stelle Byrum and Laylon Lois Byrum, Dan was raised in Raleigh and was a proud graduate of Broughton High School. He went on to attend Wake Forest University (1965-1969), graduated from the Charles Babcock School of Business, and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration (BBA). During his time at Wake Forest, he was a leader among his peers, serving as the Vice President of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

Dan spent over three decades as a respected figure in the building materials industry through Byrum Lumber Company. Alongside his wife, Ellen, he built a reputation for reliability and expertise during the Research Triangle’s greatest eras of growth. He was a straight-shooter who let his hard work and loyalty speak for itself.

Dan’s commitment to his community was a reflection of his faith and his character. He served as a Deacon and participated in leadership within Stephen Ministries at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh and contributed his time to the Board of First Citizens Bank. A devoted father, he also served as the President of the Parents Council at St. Mary’s School, consistently giving his time and resources to the people and institutions he loved. He was also an expert on the water, had a great passion for hunting and fishing, and enjoyed fellowship with friends and family who referred to him as “Capt. Dan”.

In 2013, Dan traded the daily grind of Raleigh for the salt air of the Crystal Coast, settling in the Morehead City area.

To his grandchildren, Dan was a source of constant peace. He was a brilliant man who seemed to know a little bit about everything. Whether he was in his basement meticulously tying flies, sharing an Oreo ice cream sandwich and McDonald’s fries, or sitting on the porch with a book and a cup of coffee, his presence made everyone around him relax.

Family was the center of Dan’s world and the legacy he cherished most. While his devotion began with his roles as a husband and father, it grew to include the immense pride of being a grandfather and great-grandfather. He led by example, showing his family the meaning of true partnership through his marriage to Ellen. Today, Dan’s spirit continues through his great-grandchildren, who will carry forward the stories of the kindness and brilliance that defined GranDan.

Dan is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Ellen King Byrum; his daughter, Holly Byrum Camak, and son-in-law, Stephen Neal Camak; and his three granddaughters, Rebecca Camak Geiger (and husband Daniel), Elizabeth Camak Paussa “Liza” (and husband Nolan), and Addison English Camak. He also leaves behind three great-grandchildren, Ellen Thomas Geiger (2.5 years), Daniel Joseph Geiger Jr. (6 months), and Edward Wade Paussa (1.5 years).

The family will hold a private ceremony to honor Dan’s life. A Celebration of Life will be held this Spring in Morehead City, North Carolina, where friends and family can gather to share stories and a laugh in his honor.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dan's memory to Stephen Ministry or the American Heart Association. 

He was a man who was, quite simply, "bigger than life," and while he will be deeply missed, his family takes comfort in the promise that they will be reunited with him again.

Family and friends are welcome to submit online condolences at www.mundenfuneralhome.net.

Arrangements by Munden Funeral Home & Crematory in Morehead City, NC.