Mr. Byrd graduated from Craddock High School in 1971 where he was a member of the varsity track team.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and received an associates degree from Tidewater Community College in business. He was a member of Second Baptist Church in Lexington, Mo., and was employed by A.T.K. Lake City and the U.S. Postal Service in Independence, Mo.

He loved life and was a kind and compassionate person.

He was predeceased by his father, Sherman Byrd formerly of Greenwood, Miss., and his mother, Louise Byrd Blount formerly of Charleston, S.C.

Survivors include three children, a son, Sherman Adrian Byrd of Portsmouth (mother, Jennifer); two daughters, Dionne and Jessica Byrd of Norfolk (mother, Olivia); two granddaughters, Brianna and Jayla; six sisters, Sherlyn Walker (Harry) of Elizabeth City, N.C., Azelle Hunt of Portsmouth, Yolanda Blount (Kenneth) of Windsor, Sandra Watkins of Waynesville, Mo., Cynthia Conner (Alton) of Orange Park, Fla., Andre Byrd (Shaline) and Laurie Byrd (Reginald), both of Portsmouth; a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, family and friends; and a devoted fiancee, Carol Reno of Independence, Mo., and her sons and grandson.

A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Steele-Bullock Funeral Home Chapel.

Burial will be in Roosevelt Memorial Park. Viewing will begin at noon today.