Former E.E. Butler principal dies in Macon

MACON - A man instrumental in leading equal education opportunities for black students in Gainesville has died.

Dr. Ulysses Byas was the principal of E.E. Butler High School from its opening in 1963 until 1970, according to information from the city of Gainesville School System.

Dr. Merriane Dyer said Byas' focus as an educator was on high expectations for students and holding parents and students accountable.

Following his years in Gainesville, Byas became Superintendent of Schools in Roosevelt, NY, where he served for almost 20 years. There is an elementary school there named after him.

Upon his retirement there, Byas moved to Macon, Ga.

He has returned to Gainesville for the Fair Street-Butler Reunion that is held every two years over the Labor Day weekend. In 2006, during the reunion weekend, he was honored at Fair Street School on behalf of the Gainesville City Schools community. Over 120 members of his E.E. Butler classes traveled to Gainesville to see him on that day.

Glover Memorial Mortuary in Macon is handling arrangements for Dr. Byas. A spokesman for the funeral home said Monday that visitation will be held Thursday from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11:00 a.m. at Hulsey Temple CME church.