Biography: Walter also known as “Monk” was born on St. Helena Island, South Carolina on March 23, 1942, to the late Beulah Daise Byas Holmes and the late Hillard Byas. He was the fourth child out of ten children (Victoria, Louise, Abraham, Vivian, Willie James, Christopher, Doris, Elizabeth, Thomas). “Monk” attended St. Helena school system and later attended Alfred E. Smith High School for Auto Mechanics in the Bronx, New York.
 
Walter was best known for being a hard worker and diligent in supporting his family and great friends. He worked at the
Brooklyn Navy Ship Yard as a licensed welder for over 20 years. He also worked at Montefiore Hospital in the Bronx in the Food Services Department. While working at the hospital, Walter met the love of his life Lula Mae Byas. They married in September of 1962 and soon thereafter produced six wonderful children. 
 
Walter turned his life over to Christ in October of1994 and became a proud member of the Canaan Baptist Church of Christ in Harlem, New York under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Wyatt Tee Walker. He was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother uncle, and cousin. If you ever needed him for anything, Walter was always there… No questions asked. Walter was
always there to lend a helping hand, drive, fix your car, or even a kind word.  (And Lords knows he loved to talk) “Monk” was a man of his word!
 
Walter transitioned from his earthly vessel to his heavenly body to meet his heavenly father on Thursday, January 11, in the year of our Lord 2018. 
 
Walter is survived by his six children, Andrea Holly, Michelle Byas, Phyllis Byas- Alvarez (Juan Alvarez), Walter Byas, Jr., Dawn Holly, and Paulette Byas. He also leaves behind eight grandchildren, Jawaun Hall, Aggrie Patrick Byas, Octavious
Maximillen Wilder, Douglas Guerrero-Byas, Roger Guerrero-Byas, Ladaisia Geneva Holly, Devin Monet Byas, and Paul Landyn Singleton with a host of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Walter was proceeded in death by his mother Beulah
Byas-Holmes, father Hilliard Byas, wife Lula Byas, brothers: Abraham Byas and Willie James Byas sisters: Victoria Byas and Elizabeth Holmes. 
 
Daddy was always happy, quiet and selfless. He loved his family and was the epitome of a family man and a gentleman. We can go on and on about the greatness of our beloved father. What a wonderful thing the Lord has done by blessing us with him.