Lion John Byrum is a true Waxhaw native, having grown up in the town during the 1950s when the population hovered around 700. His parents ran a furniture store and a barber shop, giving John early exposure to people from all walks of life. That small-town upbringing instilled in him a deep appreciation for community and connection.

John spent 39 years as a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service, a role that allowed him to build lasting relationships with his Waxhaw customers. He especially valued time spent with older residents who didn’t get many visitors, and he recalls with fondness one young woman on his route who was blind—an experience that later shaped his Lions Club service.

John joined the Waxhaw Lions Club in 1985 after being invited by a neighbor who was helping start the chapter. With young children at home and a full-time job, he still made time to serve—and has now been a Lion for 40 years. He credits the club’s early leaders with teaching him the importance of commitment and follow-through, and he found particular meaning in connecting with blind and visually impaired individuals through Lions programs.

One of John’s favorite service memories is the Visually Impaired Persons (VIP) Golf Tournament, which began in 1999 at Stonebridge Golf Club. He loved seeing participants get out of their routines, enjoy the outdoors, and share meals together after practice. The tradition continues today with about a dozen golfers each year, each paired with a coach.

John is proud of the Waxhaw Lions Club’s growth and renewed energy in recent years, especially with the addition of new members and the launch of the Leos program. For him, being a Lion has been a lifelong source of joy and purpose, and he’s thrilled to see the club thriving and expanding its impact.