Former West Orange-Stark standout Joey Byerly passed away February 8 of an apparent heart attack. He had just turned 38 years old.
At 6-4 Byerly was an intimidating player on the football field and the basketball court, but off the court he was very approachable with a great smile and personality. “Joey had a quiet presence but a huge competitive spirit that made him a winner and a great person,” said WOS Asst. Coach Russell Bottley.
He played several positions for the Mustangs, including quarterback. He earned a scholarship to the University of North Texas.
But he was also good on the court, leading the Mustangs to the postseason. His biggest claim to fame is still talked about today. That’s when he dunked on Beaumont Ozen 7-footer Kendrick Perkins, who went on to play in the NBA and is now a talking head on ESPN.
The 2003 grad was recently scene at the WOS basketball game where they honored the 2006 team that went to State.
KOGT.com will post his services when they are made available.
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