I was sad to hear about "Sarge" passing away. 
I was a student of his at Grissom High School JROTC from '88-'92. I shot on his rifle team. Those are some of my best memories. Im not sure what he saw in me but he never gave up on me and trying to make the rifle team my freshman year. I now honor him by passing the craft to my daughter and others.
Im glad I was able to track him down and meet with him one afternoon. He was tickled when he met my daughter also....
You will be missed dearly "Sarge"!

I remember all the times he would keep me in line with tough love, from the times I was a young buck until the times I accepted leadership roles. His mentorship has meant a lot to me over the years, and I have found myself using some of those lessons in my own military career. Thank you for you advice and words all those years ago.

I had the pleasure of being Charles friend for many years and feel as if God put me here at the end of his life to meet his family and support them in the last days. Praying for peace for family and friends in the days to come.The magnet that I gave him years ago was still on his refrigerator today says it all "In Gods Hands..The warmth of Love and Friendship is a Blessing to be Shared" Love to his daughter Lynn and the rest of his family and friends. His blessing will carry on in all of our memories.

I fondly remember MSG Charles Byrd from my ROTC days at Grissom High School.  He was such a stalwart of tradition and honor!  

Having served myself for 23-years, I now understand what I saw in him as a young 14-15 year high school student.  It was visible how much he had experienced in Vietnam and throughout his career as a soldier wearing the uniform of our nation.  He was a beacon of honor and a model servant to our nation and a man in which to emulate as a young man. 

Thank you MSG Byrd for having such a positive impact on my life as a young man and for all you did for our nation. You will be missed.

Fair Winds & Following Seas...

-Mark Michel
Commander, US Navy

I am so sad to hear about the loss of Sgt. Byrd. I was a student of his in the JROTC program at Grissom, and I remember that program with such fondness. JROTC gave this little fish a place to belong in such a big pond, and Sgt. Byrd had an integral part in that. Warmest thoughts and sincerest condolences to his family and loved ones.

I have such fond memories of Sargent Byrd from my JROTC days at Grissom High ('89-'93).  He touched so many lives with his gruff exterior and teddy bear core.  He will be sorely missed.  Eternal rest grant unto Charles, Oh Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.  May his soul and the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the Mercy of God, rest in peace.  Amen.

I will always remember MSG Byrd. He was a wonderful man. I shot on the rifle team at Grissom. My Junior year because my parents only had one car, he would sometimes help by picking us up and driving us to school. He taught me a lot about responsibility and dedication. He will be truly missed.

Charles was such a good man. He will be greatly missed by myself, Keith, and Ella.

MSG Byrd was by far one of the best teachers that I had during my years at Grissom.  He lead several of my classes and was sponsor of the Color Guard and Drill Teams.  He always looked out for the best interest of his students.  I could honestly say that, if it wasn't for him, I probably would have stopped doing JROTC my senior year.  I do honor him, with my success in the military.  I only wished that I had a chance to truly show him my appreciation.  Rest now, I've got the watch.

It was my honor and blessing to be Pops friend. His kindness and wisdom will forever remain in my heart. My sincere condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. God bless you.

As an ROTC instructor in the 80s, he played an important role in my life molding me to be the woman I am today.  Without his leadership and willingness to put up with a bunch of us crazy high school students our corp would not have produced the successful adults that we have become.  Rest in Peace - you are not forgotten. Prayers lifted for the family.  Tina Fessenden Callaway

MSG Byrd was my JROTC instructor. He was a caring instructor and a great person.

My husband and I both had the pleasure of having sarge Byrd as our JROTC instructor many years ago. We were so blessed to have him as a mentor and teacher. My four years of color guard / drill team were fond memories I will cherish forever.
 Jessica Nez (Zwissler) and Justin Nez

Larry Byrd was a good friend to my Mom and Step-father Sgt. Campbell. I would like to express my sympathy and condolences to the Byrd family, may God comfort you and give you the strength you need during difficult time.

Cyndi and John Himes 
Madison, AL

Rest in Peace Charles.  It was an honor to be his friend. When he last visited us we took him to see the Vietnam Memorial on the Mall in DC.  He detested it, much preferring the Korean Memorial.  I think he had a point.  Allen and Susan Moore.

I had the distinct pleasure of having Sarge as my JROTC instructor.  Once you worked past that gruff exterior, I never had a more caring mentor and teacher who I am also thankful to have called my friend.  He will truly be missed.

So sorry for your loss.  Our three children enjoyed his leadership in JROTC.  Vernon & Margy Keller

MSG Byrd was quick to hold me accountable, but he was also quick to encourage and praise (in his own way!) and to teach when needed. His faithful and honorable service are appreciated and remembered by a grateful country, friends, and family.

Charlie Byrd's house was my second home in Panama for many years. It was great to spend time over there with the entire Byrd family. Mr. Byrd was always very kind and pleasant, even when he was showing that gruff exterior. I was very glad to have known him and wish him all of God's blessings.

MSG Byrd was like a father figure to my friends and me in JROTC. His leadership and support on the Rifle Team, and his friendship later in my life. Our prayers are with his family. He will be missed.

Charlie was a great American, one that I can proudly say I served with in Panama and became good friends over the years.  Rest in peace Charley and God Bless. 

CSM (R) Samuel G. and Anita Smith

MSG Byrd was a teacher, coach, and mentor to me. I made some bad choices in high school and he was always quick to set me straight and put me back on the road to graduation and was one of the reasons I made it to graduation. He was just as quick to give me a hard time about bad choices as he was to step up and help when I needed it.

MSG Byrd was a great American Soldier who positively influenced the lives of thousands of young men and women.  I was fortunate to be a member of the JROTC rifle team where his guidance and coaching made me not only a better marksman, but a better person.  Under his gruff exterior, he was also a very caring man, as I remember him reaching out to me after my brother passed away.  His leadership helped shape my early life and provided a strong foundation for my own military career.  I offer my sincerest condolences and would like his family to know how thankful I am for significant role he played in shaping the futures of so many people.

Godspeed, Sarge. A big, ole grumpy exterior incasing a heart of gold! Thanks for the memories. <3

MSG Byrd was a true inspiration, mentor, and example of what we as human beings need to strive for everyday. He always knew what to say at just the right time.

Godspeed, Sarge.

I was one of MSG Byrd's JROTC cadets at Grissom in the mid-'80s. My life path has been 100 percent non-military (I'm a copyright lawyer in Vegas now) and, for what it's worth, people who have only known me post-college think that the most surprising thing about me is that I spent four blissful years in high school JROTC! It was the most positive thing that happened to me in high school and I will never regret a minute of it. I can honestly say that on Sunday, March 6, having no idea that this had happened, I was explaining to friends why I say "police up your [stuff that needs to be thrown away or put in the dishwasher]!" and describing MSG Byrd to them. He is one of those treasured people from my early life who will never leave my mind and heart.

OBITUARY

Charles Robert Byrd

May 5, 1941 – March 6, 2016

Valhalla Funeral Home & Memory Gardens

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