Mr. Wardell Byrd

WARDELL BYRD, son of Ernest Byrd, Sr. and Annie Lee Collins-Byrd, was born on March 2, 1940 in Greenwood, Mississippi. He was a 1959 graduate of Arcola High School in Arcola, Mississippi. WARDELL professed his hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized by Rev. A. D. Williams. He joined the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Hollandale, Mississippi and occasionally fellowshipped with the Zion Hill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor David Lee in Indianapolis, Indiana. After graduating high school in 1959, Wardell relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana. He served in the U. S. Airforce from 1962 to 1966 when he received an honorable discharge. He then gained employment with Mart Furniture in the Shipping and Receiving Department. Shortly after that, he started at General Motors in 1968 where he was promoted to Supervisor. After 28 years of loyal and dedicated service he retired in April of 1991. WARDELL enjoyed sports, especially baseball and basketball. He also coached girls and women’s baseball teams for Forest Manor Ball Park. He had a strong interest in world events and history. His most cherished interest was his love and support for people, but most of all, his family. He was known as one of their most loved Patriarchs of the Byrd family. WARDELL BYRD departed this life Monday, November 23, 2015 at the age of 75 years, 8 months, and 21 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, Earnest Byrd, Sr. and Annie Lee Collins-Byrd; two brothers, Ernest Byrd, Jr. and Levi A. Byrd; one sister, Beaulah Byrd-Hill. He is survived by ex-wife, Delores Riskka; two daughters, April and Corey; grandchildren, Tyler McNeal, Cameron Woodard, and J’Raea Bailey; brothers, James, Johnay, Acey (Rose), Samuel (Charyl), Jerry, Willie, Shelby (Susie), and Lovester; sisters, Annie Castel and Carolyn Gee; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.