James R. Byrd

James Robert Byrd, 91, passed away on September 20, 2024. Born on December 2, 1932 in Snipesville, GA, to Archie Warren and Vera Andrews Byrd, he was the youngest of 17 children. James served in the USAF, and was a crane operator for AGRICO Chemical until his retirement.

James is preceded in death by his mother, Vera Andrews Byrd, father, Archie Warren Byrd, 16 siblings, and in laws Cleo and Viola Steedley.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 70 years, Thelma Jean Byrd. He also leaves behind a daughter, Wanda J. Abercrombie (Marvin), son, James Randy Byrd (Cheryl); seven grandchildren, Tammy Abercrombie Lavelle (Russ), Aaron Abercrombie (Ivy), Kelly Byrd Collier (Jarrod), Krista Byrd Lyons (Otis Matthew), Christopher Abercrombie (Keight), Katelyn Byrd, Logan Abercrombie; eight great-grandchildren, Matthew Cope, Abbey Jean Lavelle, Hanah Urena Abercrombie (Luis), Audrey Abercrombie (James Polk), Xander Abercrombie, Gwendolyn Rose Collier, Benjamin Collier, and Otis Oliver Lyons; and one great-great granddaughter, Levi, plus one great-great grandson on the way.

James Byrd lived life, a good life. He was a member of the Church of God since the early 1960s, loving the Lord and trusting in HIM every step of the way. He loved his wife, kids and grandchildren, loved traveling and vacationing to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. After he retired, he started walking with his wife and the Mall Walkers at the Brandon Mall. He was light hearted and easy to talk with, loved fishing, worried about nothing, loved eating a good steak, Mission Barbecue, Chick-fil-a, and his Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwiches, and was extremely well versed in Trivia. For those that knew him, they knew he was a happy man! He told his children, grands and great-grands that he would be going to his Heavenly Home and more than anything, he wanted all of them to meet him there one day.

Officiating: The Reverend Tony Byrd, Pastor at Morningstar Church of God