Jesse James Byrd, Jr. was born on September 9, 1947 to Johnnie Mae (Atwood) and Jesse James Byrd, Sr. He passed away peacefully on the night of July 1, 2024 with his daughter, granddaughter, and best friend Betty at his side. He was also surrounded by the caring staff of Unit 91AS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Johnnie Mae Byrd; sister: Rose Etta King; great grandson: Jaxon Howard; and special niece and nephew: Lisa King and Melvin King.
Jesse professed a belief in Christ at an early age and was baptized. He was a member of Mt. Zion Baptist church until his health failed him.
He joined the Army in 1968, where he proudly served our country and did a tour through Germany.
Jesse was a hardworking, generous, and funny man with a quick wit and a contagious smile.
He was employed at Butter Krust Bread for several years, and then went to work at Frito Lay for over 25 years. He was known in Montopolis and the Austin Community as “the Frito-Lay Man” and often gave chips to everyone he saw on his route!
After his retirement, Jesse enjoyed playing golf with the Traveler’s Golf Club, supporting his grandchildren in sporting events, and spending time with family. There are so many memorable moments like football season, where he and the Redskins fans would enjoy a day of talking trash. His family was his pride and joy, and he delighted in their accomplishments and adventures. He also enjoyed going to lunch with his Frito-Lay friend of over 30 years, Joe Beltran and his wife.
Jesse leaves to cherish his memory the love of his life and mother of his children, Betty Byrd; his children: daughter Rene’ Byrd-Howard (Roderick) and son Derek Byrd; Sister, Mary Ann Barnett (Norman), and brother Lawrence Byrd; grandchildren: Brittany Joseph (McKinley), Mahogane Reed, Jalen Howard, Derek Byrd, Trent Howard, Desmond Byrd, and bonus grandchildren: Tasha Burton (Cedrick), Ashley Howard, Jontel Williams, and Jalen Williams; 13 great grandchildren: 12 boys and one girl (and one soon to be born); Special caregivers and nieces, Chenet King and Janis Britton.
The legacy of his name lives on through his great grandson Kannon Jesse James Howard. He also leaves a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins to carry on his memory.
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