FALLS MILLS, Va. —
Cecil Ray Byrd, 64, of Falls Mills, Virginia, passed away Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at Bluefield Regional Medical Center in Bluefield, West Virginia. Born in Pocahontas, Va., he was the son of Cassie Byrd Wise and the late Charles Byrd of Pocahontas, Va.
He was a 1966 graduate of Pocahontas High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the Vietnam War. Cecil received several medals during his Vietnam tour of duty including the South Vietnam Commendation Medal, the United States Commendation Medal and the South Vietnam Cross of Gallantry. He was also employed by the United States Postal Service of Bluefield, Va. for 32 years. Cecil was a member of the NRA, the Triangle Sportsman's Club and a devoted member of the Church by Christ Jesus of Pocahontas, Va.
Cecil never met a stranger. He was known and loved by many. He especially loved getting to know his customers he served at the post office. He loved his children, grandchildren and family very much. A favorite pastime for Cecil was his great love for muscle cars. In the last few years of his life he was a devout Christian and lived to serve God. Cecil was a very caring, kind, giving and hard working man.
In addition to his father, Cecil is preceded in death by an infant sister Carolyn Jean.
Survivors include his mother, Cassie Byrd Wise of Pocahontas, Va.; long time love, Suzie Webb of Bluefield, Va.; daughter, Stephanie Long and husband Grant of Christiansburg, Va.; son, Tracy Byrd and wife Becky of Franklin, Massachusetts; former wife and friend, Loretta Byrd of Pocahontas, Va.; two brothers, Donnie Byrd of Pocahontas, Va. and Tommy Byrd and wife Ruth of Bluefield, Va.; sisters, Beulah Mitchell and husband James of Pocahontas, Va., Judy Gibson and husband Mike of Pocahontas, Va. and Debbie Sandifer and husband Eddie of Bluefield, Va. (Abb's Valley); grandsons, Bryce, Brendon and Brody Long all of Christiansburg, Va.; granddaughter, Kerabeth Long of Christiansburg, Va.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 16, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at the Rodriguez Funeral Home in Pocahontas, Va. with the Rev. Mike Gibson and Tommy Byrd officiating. Interment will follow at the Swim Cemetery on Peel Chestnut Mountain. Friends may call Friday, March 15, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Rodriguez Funeral Home in Pocahontas, Va. Military rites will be conducted by the Pocahontas American Legion Post #14 and the VFW 9696 of Bluefield, Va. Pallbearers will be family and friends.
Flowers are appreciated but donations may also be made in Cecil's memory to the following organizations: Church by Christ Jesus of Pocahontas, Va., Disabled Veterans and Toys 4 Tots.
The Rodriguez Funeral Home in Pocahontas, Va. is serving the Byrd family.
For more information, or to have the funeral home pass along your condolences, visit www.RodriguezFuneral.com
Obituaries Archive
Related Photos
-
Cecil Ray Byrd
Discussion
Cecil Ray Byrd
- Obituaries Archive
-
-
Daniel Jesse Parks
ATHENS — Daniel Jesse Parks, 85, departed this life on May 20, 2013 at Princeton Community Hospital.
-
Charlie Clifton (Bub) Odum
WELCH — Charlie Clifton (Bub) Odum, 48, of Welch, died early Thursday morning, May 16, 2013 at the Brian Center in Fincastle, Va. from injuries sustained in a tree cutting accident in November of 2011.
-
Sabra Ellen “Ruth” Froy
BLUEFIELD — Sabra Ellen “Ruth” Froy, 83, of Bluefield, W.Va., passed peacefully at home with her family by her side on Sunday, May 19, 2013.
-
Catherine Dunn
PETERSTOWN — Catherine Dunn, 96, of Peterstown, formerly of Princeton, W.Va., passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at Country View Assisted Living.
-
Donald Ellsworth Downard
PRINCETON — Donald Ellsworth Downard, 83 of Swan Lane, Princeton, died suddenly Saturday evening May 18th 2013 at Princeton Community Hospital.
-
Brandon Charles Mays
BAPTIST VALLEY, Va. — Brandon Charles Mays, age 19, of Baptist Valley, Va., died Saturday, May 18, 2013 at Carilion Tazewell Community Hospital in Tazewell, Va. from injuries sustained in a vehicular accident.
-
Barbara Jean Couch Ofsa
ATHENS — Barbara Jean Couch Ofsa, 82, of 209 W. Broadway in Athens, passed into glory May 18, 2013, in the comfort of her home with her children attending.
-
Donald Ellsworth Downard
PRINCETON — Donald Ellsworth Downard, 83, of Swan Lane, Princeton, died suddenly Saturday evening, May 18th 2013 at Princeton Community Hospital.
-
Retha Jean Robinette Hundley
VIENNA — Retha Jean Robinette Hundley, 71, of Vienna, passed away Sunday, May 19, 2013 at Marietta Memorial Hospital.
-
Laurina Virgili Miano
WELCH — Laurina Virgili Miano, age 82, of 358 Stewart Street in Welch, passed away peacefully at her home May 18, 2013 with her two children by her side.
- More Obituaries Archive Headlines
-
