Daniel Stelle Byrum

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. A deeply spiritual man, his character was defined by humility and a remarkable gift for lifting others up. He rarely spoke of himself, instead greeting every person with a genuinely kind word and a sincere interest in how they were doing.

Born to the late Addison Stelle Byrum and Laylon Lois Byrum, Dan was raised in Raleigh and graduated from Broughton High School. He attended Wake Forest University from 1965 to 1969, where he graduated from the Charles Babcock School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. While at Wake Forest, he served as Vice President of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity.

Dan spent more than three decades as a respected figure in the building materials industry with Byrum Lumber Company. Alongside his wife, Ellen, he built a reputation for reliability and expertise during the Research Triangle’s greatest eras of growth. A straight-shooter, he let his hard work and loyalty speak for themselves. His commitment to community reflected both his faith and character; he served as a Deacon and in leadership with Stephen Ministries at White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh and contributed his time to the Board of First Citizens Bank. He also served as President of the Parents Council at St. Mary’s School. An expert on the water, Dan had a great passion for hunting and fishing and enjoyed fellowship with friends and family, who affectionately called him “Capt. Dan.”

In 2013, Dan and Ellen left the daily demands of Raleigh for the salt air of the Crystal Coast, settling in the Morehead City area. To his grandchildren, he was a source of constant peace—a brilliant man who seemed to know a little about everything. Whether meticulously tying flies in his basement, 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 put everyone around him at ease.

Family was the center of Dan’s world and the legacy he cherished most. His devotion began with his roles as husband and father, then 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 58-year marriage to Ellen. His 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, Daniel Joseph Geiger Jr., and Edward Wade Paussa.