It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Woodrow “Woody” Byrd of Sumter, SC, who passed away on April 4, 2020, at the age of 80, leaving to mourn both family and friends.
Woody grew up in Barboursville, WV, the son of Woodrow Byrd and Thelma Collins. After completing high school Woody joined the United States Air Force (USAF). Woody is a veteran of the Vietnam War and earned the Meritorious Service Medal and the Air Force Commendation Medal for his accomplishments. Woody spent nearly 23 years in the USAF and retired after a distinctive career in the grade of Senior Master Sergeant. After serving the military, Woody entered the civilian work force and worked as an electrical engineer for the EATON Corporation until retirement. His success in USAF and civilian work force can be directly attributed to his work ethic and his natural mechanical ability. His attention to detail was legendary. He was also a devoted member of the Southside Baptist Church. He will remember by many as the jokester and the family will always remember him as Paw Paw.
He was predeceased by: his parents, Woodrow Byrd and Thelma Collins, his wife of 53 years Ruthie Byrd who he was devoted. He is survived by his second wife Norma Timmons Byrd of Sumter, SC, his sister Sherry “Nadine” Smallridge and brother-in-law Ron of Grove City, OH, his brothers Butch Peyton and sister-in-law Linda of Barboursville, WV, and Eddie Byrd and sister-in-law Charlene of Pittsburg, PA, his daughters, Teresa Doggett and son-in-law Carl of Greensboro, NC, Yvonne Love of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, and Yvette Wilkinson and son-in-law Allen of Sumter, SC, his grandchildren Jennifer Gray and husband Tony, Monica Garris and husband James, Kevin Loiselle and wife Alicia, Joshua Kendall, Michalynn Odom and husband Curtis, James Wilkinson and wife Feb, Stephen Wilkinson, Christopher Wilkinson and wife Bailey, his great grandchildren Krystal Gray, Logan Gray, Chase Gray, Rylan Garris, Arron Garris, Lindsey Loiselle, Joey Kendall, Nathan Gunn, Tiffiny Odom, Kurtis Odom, Christina Wilkinson, Dexter Wilkinson, Owen Wilkinson, and his great great grandchildren Adley Thompson, Cole Odom and Aliyah Odom as well as all of his beloved nieces and nephews.
His daughters Teresa, Yvonne, Yvette loved their father dearly and will always remember and know him as the best father they could have ever had and are so grateful for all the years he loved them, took care of them and understand that in life family is and will always be all that matters.
His wife and daughters thank both family and friends for their deepest gratitude and prayers during this difficult time. The service will be announced at a later date due to the coronavirus.
You may go to www.bullockfuneralhome.com and sign the family’s guest book online.
The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements.
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