William Edwin Byrd

William Edwin Byrd, age 76, of Northport, Alabama, passed away August 4, 2024 at Hospice of West Alabama. Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 9, 2024, at Magnolia Chapel North with Bro. John Brooks officiating. Graveside services with military honors will follow at 1:30 p.m. in Carter Cemetery, 64744 Hwy 17, Detroit, AL with Magnolia Chapel North directing. Visitation will be one hour prior to services (10:00 - 11:00 a.m.) at Magnolia Chapel North.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rufus and Maxine Byrd of Sulligent, Alabama; and his nephew, Derek McNees of Millport, Alabama.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Mary Byrd; daughter, Sherry Bellan (Bill); grandchildren, Matthew Bellan and Mary Rose Bellan; step- grandson, Brian Bellan (Hillary); brother, Randy Byrd (Josie) of Vernon, Alabama; sister, Cathy McNees (Dale) of Millport, Alabama; and several nieces and nephews.

Ed (Bill) was born on May 21, 1948. He grew up in Sulligent and graduated from Sulligent High School in 1966, where he played football. He served in the United States Army in Vietnam in 1968-69. He later graduated from Jefferson State Community College and served in the Alabama National Guard for 31 years before retiring with the rank of First Seargent in 1999. He worked for the United States Postal Service for 38 years, retiring in 2008. 

Ed (Bill) found his greatest joy in spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. They were the light of his life. He was tough as nails, caring of others, and loved to laugh. He was always willing to help out when someone needed it. His infectious smile, kind heart, and jovial personality made him lots of friends. He will be missed by many.

Pallbearers will be Matthew Bellan, Tim Skelton, Jamie McDaniel, Jack McNees, Phillip McNees, and James Miller. 

Honorary pallbearers are Billy Watkins, Jim Hinton, Chris Whitaker, Brooks Markham, Rubel Ray, Roy Sanford, John Nichols, Grady Friday, Wayne Wallace, Ray Jennings, Joe Leatherwood, Bobby Ledbetter, O’Neal Mathis, Porter Litty, Larry Morrison, Bobby McFerrin, Jay Moyer, and Ronnie Prisoc.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Gideons International at www.gideons.org.