September 27, 2011—SNA regrets to announce that O.J. Byrnside, Jr., PhD, who served as the Association’s director of finance from 1989 to 2002, passed away September 24, 2011, at age 76 after a long illness. Byrnside and his wife Patricia were initially hired to oversee the move of the Association’s headquarters from Denver to Alexandria, Va., in 1989.
O.J. Byrnside, Jr., PhD
He later served as interim executive director from 1992-93, and both husband and wife (working in several different roles) anchored the Association’s headquarters until their retirement in 2002. In addition to directing the organization’s finances, Byrnside was charged with managing headquarters operations, and he is well remembered by former and current SNA leaders and staff for his efficiency, patience, commitment and abundant good humor.
Even after retirement, Byrnside worked at SNA’s Annual National Conferences for several years, serving in a consulting role to ensure the smooth operation of the premier event.
“With a bevy of new employees to manage and the highs and lows of ongoing change at headquarters, O.J. and Pat became surrogate godparents to staff at all levels, helping not only with office-related challenges, but also with personal problems,” stated the Association in a 2002 School Foodservice & Nutrition tribute recalling their many contributions over the years.
Byrnside served for three years in the U.S. Marine Corps and graduated from Concord College in Athens, W.Va. He earned a master’s degree in business education and business administration from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, Va., as well as a doctorate degree in business and occupational education from Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. Byrnside taught high school and coached basketball in Danville, Va., before teaching at Longwood College in Farmville, Va. He served as the executive director of the National Business Education Association in Reston, Va., for more than 20 years before joining the Association.
Upon their retirement, the Byrnsides moved to Melbourne, Fla. In addition to his wife, Byrnside is survived by three daughters and eight grandchildren.
Byrnside will be buried in Athens, W.Va.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Related LinkO.J. Byrnside Obituary http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/floridatoday/obituary.aspx?n=Oscar-Byrnside&pid=153843296