of Dundee, MS
November 13, 1939 - October 23, 2017
Darrel Byrd, 77, of Dundee, Mississippi, went to his heavenly home on Monday, October 23, 2017. He was a devoted husband, dad, and pappaw. Darrel was born in Leachville, Arkansas, on November 13, 1939, to Bruce Byrd and Lucille Duncan Byrd who preceded him in death. He is survived by a brother, James Byrd, and a brother-in-law, Mike Nuss. Darrel was preceded in death by two sisters, Meltha Harvey and Bobbie Nuss, a brother, Donnie Byrd, and brother-in-law, Don Harvey.
In the early 1960's, the Byrd family moved from Leachville to Elaine, Arkansas, where Darrel farmed and tended to livestock. He became a licensed auctioneer in 1962. In 1970, Darrel moved his family to Dundee where he expanded his farming and livestock operations and later opened River Route Packing Company. Most importantly, Darrel accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and was baptized on February 13, 1996.
His favorite past times included spending time with his family, riding the levee looking after the cattle, and studying the history of the wild west. He also enjoyed supporting youth academics and athletics through the Twin City Athletic Association and DeSoto School, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Katherine Nowell Byrd, who was the love of his life, and their five children; Jeff Byrd (Wanda) of Manila, Arkansas, Jamie Byrd Morris (Bubba) of Hernando, Mississippi, Shawndus Byrd Gregory (Phillip) of Helena, Arkansas, Alan Byrd (Kristi) of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and Cindy Byrd Hindsley (Allen) of Marvell, Arkansas.
Darrel's family grew over the years with the addition of thirteen grandchildren; Justin Yancey, Kyle Yancey, Hunter Byrd, Chelse Morris, Jake Byrd, Matt Gregory, Nicholas Byrd, Jordyn Brown, Joylyn Gregory Bartlett, Alec Byrd, Adam Byrd, Anna Byrd, and Aidan Byrd and eight great grandchildren; Lane Yancey, Mason Byrd, Hayden Byrd, Ava Yancey, Bryson Byrd, Harper Byrd, Gavin Yancey, and Brooks Yancey.
The pallbearers for the service will be the nine grandsons. The honorary pallbearers are Woody Brown, Lee Graves, LC Lucas, Oby Easley, Wayne Crews, Dorman Roach, and Norman Hargrove.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at michaeljfox.org or a charity of your choice.
The funeral service will be at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena, Arkansas, on Thursday, October 26, 2017 with burial to follow at Sunset Memorial Park in West Helena. Visitation will begin at 10 am with the service to follow at 11 am.
Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571.
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14 Condolence(s)
Elizabeth Todd
Friday, November 3, 2017
I am so sorry to learn of your loss Mary Katherine - - you and family are in my thoughts and prayers, God bless and keep you. In Christian Love,
Elizabeth Todd
Brian and Rita ketchum
Sunday, October 29, 2017
Sure did have tons of fun with pawpaw byrd and family great times at the ball park and the best is when pawpaw and i coached the boys in pony leagues he loved all the boys on the team and really did a good job coaching blue said he would never forget that year and I will remember it as well may God bless from the ketchum family
Rita Brocato
Friday, October 27, 2017
To The Byrd family,
So sorry for your loss. Will keep your family in prayers
Scott and Brenda Nowell
Thursday, October 26, 2017
We’re so sorry to hear of his passing. Our prayers are with y’all.
Billie Sue Rohrscheib
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
So sorry about your sweet Daddy! Henry and I will keep you in our prayers. Henry and Billie Sue Rohrscheib
Lynette Murphy
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Byrd. You are each in my thoughts and prayers.
Jackie S. Sanders
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
My most heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Byrd family at this time. Darryl loved life and enjoyed his family. He will be greatly missed.
CHRIS HAWKINS
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. Praying for God's comfort in this very difficult time.
Don and Arlene Hensley
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Deepest Sympathy to all the family. Such a nice man and grandfather to our great grands. Proud to have known him.
RUTH KIRKLEY JENKINS
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
JEFF, JAMIE, CINDI ,AND ALL THE OTHERS, I PRAY YOU GOD WILL GIVE YOU PEACE AND COMFORT, IT IS NEVER EASY TO LOSE A PARENT. MAY MR. BRYD REST IN PEACE IN THE ARMS OF OUR LORD. LOVE YA AND GIVE YOUR MOM A HUG FOR ME. RUTH KIRKLEY JENKINS
Mal
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Hope and pray that the whole family has found Jesus Christ while still walking, talking, breathing alive with life. Thank the Lord for him. Mr. Byrd will be missed. We have to carry on till the very end because one day the Lord's Day will come ! And wipe the place clean of sin so that we may live with our God and our King and our best friend for life who sits at the right hand of our heavenly father who altogether are one where we become ONE with them.Amen one day soon I pray and hope .
Dotti alexander wilson
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
I am so so for the loss of "Daddy Byrd." He was such a wonderful person and I have so many wonderful memories of him as a teenager. He had such a quick wit about him and was always two steps ahead of us!!! And had such a contagious smile and big heart. Praying for you all and know you are in my thoughts with lots of love and hugs. Dotti alexander wilson
Paige Von Kanel
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
I am so deeply sorry for your loss! Mr Byrd was a precious man and a true family man! They don’t make many like him! May God comfort you all in the days and weeks ahead, and give you peace knowing he is made whole again in the presence of his God! And I pray you take comfort in knowing that for a Christian there is no “goodbye”, only “I’ll see you later”. Praise God for His gift of ETERNAL LIFE! We love all of you and will be praying for you!
Paige & Randy
David & BJ Gregory
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Ours thoughts and prayers are with all of the family. May He wrap his arms around everyone and bring you comfort during this difficult time. May God Bless You All.