Mr. Phillip Byron Kilby

Phillip Byron Kilby, age 68, left his earthly home for his eternal home in Heaven, on Friday, August 7, 2026 at the Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca, SC. Byron was born on April 23, 1958 in Liberty, SC and was the son of the late James Carl Kilby and Laura Bracken Kilby Clements and the late Harry Eugene Clements, Sr., his bonus dad. He proudly served his country in the United States Air Force from 1978 to 1982. At the age of four, Byron’s family moved to Seneca, SC until he completed the eighth grade when they moved back to Liberty, SC. He was a 1976 graduate of Liberty High School, where he excelled in football, basketball, and track. He was named Conference II, 2-A “Outstanding Conference Athlete” for the 1974-1975 athletic year. Byron’s working years included owning a lawn maintenance business and working at Tri-County Ace Hardware in Clemson and Pickens. He was most proud of his years serving at Home with a Heart in Liberty and helping others overcome addiction. He served as sponsor for several individuals over the years. Byron was a man who found joy in the simple things in life. He loved spending time outdoors, deer hunting and off roading at the Gulches in Laurens, SC. He was a talented carver of pine knots. Byron was a devoted fan of the Clemson Tigers and Gunsmoke. He had a special place in his heart for dogs! Those who knew Byron will remember his unique personality; his stories and the memories shared with him that will remain treasured by his family and friends. Byron is survived by his sons: Carl (Elizabeth) Chaney and Coy Kilby; bonus children: Dawn (Jesse) Livingston and Robert (Tasha) Medlin; sisters: Diane Kilby Martin and Susan Kilby; bonus siblings: Gene Clements (Mae) and Brenda Beachboard; sisters-in-law: Vivian Clements and Pam Clements; nieces: Shelli (Jim) Burch and Allison (Alex) Konareski, Stephenie (Adrian) Patterson; nephews: Zeke (Lisa) Seigler and Lewis Hammond; eight grandchildren, five great nephews and four great nieces. In addition to his parents, Byron was preceded in death by his wife, Deniza Kilby; nephew: Kilby Seigler; niece: Jamie Martin; brother-in-law: Eric Martin; bonus brothers: Ray Clements and Lee Clements; great niece: Zoe Seigler; and great nephew: Kaden Martin. The family is thankful for the care Byron received at Richard M. Campbell VA, in Anderson, SC, the last two and a half months of his life. The family is also very grateful for the staff and volunteers at Cottingham Hospice House who showed such love, compassion, and care for Byron and those who loved him dearly. A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM, Tuesday, August 11, 2026 at Utica Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 10:30 – 11:30 AM, Tuesday, August 11, 2026, prior to the service, at Utica Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oconee Memorial Hospital Foundation, C/O Hospice of the Foothills, 298 Memorial Dr., Seneca, SC 29672. The family is at their respective homes.

Mr. Phillip Byron Kilby

April 23, 1958 - August 7, 2026