Wayne Byrd

Wayne Byrd, 88, was welcomed with open arms into Heavens gates on May 13, 2024. Wayne was a wonderful husband, loving father, and truly cherished grandfather and great grandfather. He entered into eternal rest and peace with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at his home surrounded by his loving family in Laurel, Ms. He was loved and respected by many and will be greatly missed. Wayne was born March 24, 1936, in Sandersville, Mississippi to Thomas Jefferson (Jeff) Byrd and Nicie Aretha Holifield. He grew up in Laurel in the Rustin community. His family owned 2 successful general stores. Through the years papaw had numerous jobs and positions like driving a big truck for Texaco, he even served in the Naval Reserve for 2 years, but eventually started working with Boots Smith and worked there as a driver and eventually office dispatcher for over 25 years till his first retirement. After retiring for a short period of time he went on to work for Jones County Beat 3 as a dump truck driver for another 15+ years. His favorite thing to do or place to be was outside working on his yard maintaining his family property on his mower or tractor. He enjoyed keeping a large garden every summer and fishing. He was the hardest working man I have ever met and he was devoted to being a provider for his family and would help anyone that needed it. He will be missed, but his family is proud to know that our Lord and Savior has him wrapped up and happy and busy moving to the final chapter. I'm sure Nannie is waiting on him. Wayne was preceded in death by his father Thomas Jefferson "Jeff" Byrd; mother Nicie Aretha Byrd; brother Ottis Byrd; niece Lynda Kay Byrd; sister Ardelle Byrd Collins; son Shannon Wayne "Shane" Byrd; great granddaughter Madison Smith; and wife Angiela Elizabeth "Angie" Gatlin Byrd. Wayne leaves behind to cherish his memory many loving grandchildren and their families, Desereigh Baker and husband James Baker, their children Alice and Benjamin Baker, Jeffrey Shane Byrd and his children Jeffrey Bryce Byrd and Harley Leshay Byrd, Shana Leigh Byrd and husband Micheal Gregg, and daughter Kayleigh Ann Gregg. Special recognition to Ms. Dianne Chick for being a wonderful partner to share his last years with. Pallbearers will be Craig Byrd, Timothy James (Cowboy) Huddleston, Daniel (Cool) Williams, Jody Johnson, Donald Dale Holifield, and Dwaine Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be Mr. Junior Shedd, Mr. Tommy McLaurin and Mr. Wayne Coker Visitation will be held at Memory Chapel Funeral Home in Laurel on May 19, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. Brother Jimmy Holder of Florence Church will preach the service at 2:00 p.m. Following the visitation and service a procession will lead to his burial which will be held at Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery in Sandersville, Ms. Anyone is welcome to send flowers or plants to the funeral home to honor Wayne's life. Memorial contributions are also welcome and the family ask that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Wayne was a firm believer in sending them donations and really cared for this charity. To sign the online guest book, visit www.memorychapellaurel.com.

Wayne Byrd

March 24, 1936 - May 13, 2024