Gerald Byrd

Gerald D. Byrd, age 91, of Greenville, formerly of Plymouth, was promoted to Glory late Thursday evening, Sept. 16, 2010 from his home with his family at his side. The son of Grady & Leah (Leach) Byrd, he was born on Feb. 17, 1919 in Detroit. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Byrd proudly served in the U.S. Navy. On Jan. 17, 1948, in Detroit, he married the former Ella Mae Chamness and together they enjoyed 57 years of marriage and raised five children. Following his retirement from the Cadillac Division of General Motors, where he worked as a maintenance electrician, he and Ella came to Greenville and made their home at Perch Lake. He was a member of the First Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon, as well as volunteering his electricians talents with various projects at the church. While he had a number of hobbies and interests, including photography, gardening, and fishing, he found his greatest joy in spending time with his family. He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Eunice Roberts; and his beloved wife, Ella Mae Byrd on Dec. 19, 2005. Surviving are his children, Gloria Byrd of Plymouth, Gerald & Laura Byrd of Sterling Heights, Judith & James Adams of Greenville, Lila Byrd of Plymouth, and Shirley & William Steele of Plymouth; four grandchildren, Michael Cutshaw, Jerry Byrd, Shannon Crupper, and Jeffrey Byrd; a brother, John Byrd; two sisters, Kathy & Bruce Trantham, and Verda Salzburg; and many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2010 from First Baptist Church, located at the corner of W. Washington and S. Franklin streets, Greenville, with Pastor Paul Dickson officiating. Honoring his wishes, cremation has already taken place. Instead of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Gerald Byrd, please visit our flower store.