James Allen Byrd was born on October 19, 1927 in Asheville, North Carolina and departed this life on March 8, 2020. He was the son of Anna and Daz Byrd. Upon graduating from Stephens-Lee High School, he enlisted in the Army where he served for 3 years. After he completed his military service, he graduated from South Eastern Commercial College in 1948. He was later employed at the Veterans Administration Hospital for 34 years and at the time of his retirement, he was a procurement officer for the hospital.
In his later years James Byrd enjoyed working on cars, attending the car auction in South Carolina with friends, watching his beloved Westerns, conquering crossword puzzles daily, and sharing his love of education.
He is survived by his wife of almost 70 years, Mattie Lucille Byrd (nee Webb), a sister-in-law, Catherine Webb, children: Allan Byrd (wife: Willy), Audrey Byrd Mosley, David Byrd (wife: Donna), Donald Byrd (wife: Janice), Carla Byrd, Timothy Byrd (wife: Deborah), 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.
Funeral Services for Mr. James A. Byrd will be held on Saturday March 14, at Brown Temple CME Church (32 Phifer St., Asheville, NC), at 1pm. Burial will immediately follow the funeral in Violet Hill Cemetery.
“The Bend in the Road”
When we feel we have nothing left to give
And we are sure that the “song had ended”—
When our day seems over and the shadows fall
And the darkness of night had descended,
Where can we go to find the strength
To valiantly keep on trying,
Where can we find the hand that will dry
The tears that the heart is crying—
There’s but one place to go and that is to God
And, dropping all pretense and pride,
We can pour out our problems without restraint
And gain strength with Him at our side—
And together we stand at life’s crossroads
And view what we think is the end,
But God has a much bigger vision
And He tells u it’s only a bend—
For the road goes on and is smoother,
And the “pause in the song” is a “rest,”
And the part that’s unsung and unfinished
Is the sweetest and riches and best—
So rest and relax and grow stronger,
Let go and let God share your load,
You work is not finished or ended,
You’ve just come to “a bend in the road.”
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