Johnny Byrd

John “Johnny” Byrd was born on January 17, 1964 in West Point, Mississippi and passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family on October 13, 2026, at the age of 62.

Johnny was a man of many passions. He found great joy in hunting and fishing, particularly cherishing trips to Louisiana and Georgia with family and friends. He was always eager to lend a hand and share a laugh with those around him. His dedication to supporting individuals with special needs was evident through his volunteer work at fishing rodeos, hunting trips, and the Joy Prom to name a few. Johnny also volunteered as a Baseball Coach for the Special Olympics while supporting his daughters in their participation in these events. A man of diverse interests, Johnny enjoyed grilling and spending time with family, and, when health permitted, riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle. Music was another of Johnny’s joys, from the soulful hymns of

Southern Gospel to sharing a love for the band “KISS” with his daughter. Johnny had the remarkable gift of never meeting a stranger and reveled in learning about others through heartfelt conversation. He was a steadfast supporter of the J.W. Hunt Home in Columbus, MS, the Salvation Army, the Golden Triangle Outdoors Organization, and Special Olympics. Johnny also loved to share “Crosses for Christ” with the many people he met on his trips to the doctor offices. His doctors often requested he bring more crosses on the next visit to share with other patients and to take on mission trips. He loved standing alongside his dad as he watched and helped him make each individual cross from old fence posts with the purpose of sharing them

with anyone who would accept one.

Johnny was the cherished son of Kenneth and Jane Byrd. He also leaves behind his son, Chris Byrd (Chelsea), daughter, Beth Byrd and step-daughter, Rachel Johnson. He was the proud grandfather of Justin, Zackery, and Ronnie Kay Byrd. He is also survived by his sister, Carolyn Golson (Tim) and brother, Ken Byrd (Dawn). He has several nieces who were very special to him, Lacie Pumphrey (Wyatt), Mary Beth Anderson (Magers), Ashley Howell (Nate), Alexis Byrd, Gretchen Purtee (Chris), and Amber Jacobs (Robert) as well as great nieces and nephews who brought joy to his life.

He is predeceased in death by his daughter, Keri Byrd.

Funeral services will be held Friday, October 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Siloam Methodist Church with Rev. Raleigh Richter officiating. Burial will follow at McPherson Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Adam Winfield, Josh Norton, Troy Terry, David Waldrep, Justin Byrd and Mark Hall. Visitation will be from 1-2 p.m. Friday at the church.

The family wishes to extend special thanks to all the nurses, doctors, and staff who showed him extraordinary care during his many office and hospital visits, especially Dr. Ned Miller and his office staff, “his girls” at Point City Drugs, and NMMC Home Health and Hospice.

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital PO Box 1000 Dept. 42 Memphis, TN 38105 or the McPherson Cemetery Fund, c/o Luke Robinson, PO Box 732, West Point, MS 39773.

John Byrd will be remembered for his kindness, his adventurous spirit, and the love he shared with all who knew him. His legacy will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of his family and friends. Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.