Mr. James Donald Byrd

Mr. James Donald Byrd, age 83 of Mt. Airy, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2013 at his home. Mr. Byrd was born in Surry County on August 4, 1929 to William "Willie" Axum Byrd and Lela Irene McCraw Doss. He proudly served our country in the United States Army during the Korean War, was retired from Central-Sprint Telephone Co. and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church where he served as deacon. Mr. Byrd was also past Master of Renfro Masonic Lodge. Surviving is his loving and devoted wife, Mary Nell Gardner Byrd of the home; a niece, Cynthia Byrd Ritenour of Mt. Airy; an aunt, Melba Shelton also of Mt. Airy, several special cousins and many, many friends. In addition to his parents, Mr. Byrd was preceded in death by a brother, Arthur Byrd and a nephew, Mike Byrd. Funeral services will be held at Calvary Baptist Church, Wednesday, May 22, 2013 at 11:00 AM by Rev. Alex Martin. Mr. Byrd will lie in state at the church thirty minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in Skyline Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Tuesday night from 6:00 to 8:00 at Moody Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Calvary Baptist Church, 314 S. Franklin Rd., Mt. Airy, NC 27030 or to Mountain Valley Hospice & Palliative Care at 401 Technology Lane, Suite 200, Mt. Airy, NC 27030.