1939
2016
Van Hollis Byrd, 76, a lifelong resident of Lumberton, Mississippi, passed away Monday, February 15, 2016 in Forrest General Hospital, Hattiesburg.
Funeral services will be at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 103 E Hinton Ave, Lumberton on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at 10:00 am. Rev. John Sapp will officiate the service. Burial will follow in Olive Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends and have visitation from 6:00 pm until 9:00 pm, Wednesday at the church.
Mr. Byrd was born August 13, 1939 in Lumberton to Charles E. Byrd and Ruby Cook Byrd. He was a retired educator and a retiree from the Mississippi Army National Guard. He was a member and Deacon at First Baptist Church in Lumberton where he was actively involved in all facets of the church.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife, Elaine Murray Byrd; two brothers, Loye Byrd, Charles Edward Byrd; two sisters, Charlotte Niemeyer and Marie Howard.
Family members include two children, Martha Lou Smith (Sam Smith), Van Grady Byrd (Stephanie Barrett Byrd); and eight grandchildren.
Memorials may be directed to First Baptist Church, Lumberton Mission Program; Gideon's International; or the Hollis and Elaine Byrd Scholarship at Pearl River Community College.
White Funeral Home, (601) 796-2781. whitefuneralhomelumberton.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
February 18, 2016
Herman, Lawanna, and Pat Stanford
Mr. Byrd was a good teacher and a nice person. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time of grief and loss. Rest in peace.
February 18, 2016
Sharon Armstrong Fields
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Mr. Byrd was a very kind person and a special teacher. He touched hundreds of young lives during his teaching career and holds a special place in my heart.
February 16, 2016
Cynthia Loper
Enjoyed having Mr Byrd as a teacher, never a dull moment in his class, RIP
Cynthia Loper (Poplarville,Ms)
February 16, 2016
Lisa Amacker
I enjoyed the time I spent with your parents as I started my teaching career at Poplarville. They both helped guide me as a fresh out of college teacher. I am sorry for your loss.
February 16, 2016
Shirley Mills
Mr Byrd was my favorite teacher when i attended school in Poplarville.My prayers for the family over your lost.
February 16, 2016
Paula Hughes
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
February 16, 2016
Susie Wheat Hall
I will surely miss looking up and seeing him walking in the cafeteria at PRCC with that suspicious grin. He was a good friend and an unforgettable teacher. Comforting to know that he is now resting in the arms of God!
February 16, 2016
Betty Jo Stuart Kirkland
I am so sorry for your loss. Mr. Byrd was one of my favorite teachers, and I am so glad that I got to talk with him a few months ago. He will be greatly missed. Praying for comfort for his family.
February 16, 2016
Linda Vega
Grady and Stephanie: By the looks of your lives, Hollis has played a very important part in who you are and who you worship. God will wrap His arms around you and your family as you deal with the physical loss.
February 16, 2016
Lenoir/Perkins Families
The Charlotte Perkins Lenoir family & Ray Perkins family of First Baptist Church Amite are praying for you Grady at this time of dad's passing. Remember he will never be farther away than the foot of the Cross.
February 16, 2016
Debbie
Mr. Byrd was one of the few teachers that I'll never forget. He taught so much more than simply academics. A great teacher & a great man. Prayers for his family & friends.
February 15, 2016
Wanda Phillips Bradshaw
Rest in heaven Mr. Byrd, you touched many lives. You was one of the best educator of all times. Not just a teacher but a Mentor. You will be deeply missed.
February 15, 2016
Christy Rester Parker
Martha I will be praying for you and your family during this time. You dad was one of the most memorable teachers that I had and still talk often about his class.
Christy Rester Parker
February 15, 2016
Walter Lowe
Martha and Grady; my deepest condolences on the passing of your Dad.
He was such a great teacher and a wonderful friend to so many. His many
acts of kindness and generosity will long be remembered. He taught all four of my children at Poplarville HS, and he always had nice things to say about them as students.
Walter Lowe
February 15, 2016
Martha Lou & Grady...
Sorry to hear your sad news. I know you both have LOTS of good memories to remember your father by.
Ann Mott
February 15, 2016
Gaye Mims
Mr. Byrd was a wonderful teacher and friend to all. I had the privilege of being his student 3 years and teacher's assistant 2 years. He was a joy to be around. I know he will be missed greatly. Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
February 15, 2016
My heart is heavy as we are praying for your family and knowing Hollis is rejoicing in the presence of our Father. A mighty man of valor who loved and served the Lord. He will be missed. Until we meet again. Ken and Linda Lash Huyghe. Rochester Hills, Michigan
February 15, 2016
James Williams
My condolences to the family...he was my platoon leader in the national guard..he was a great man
February 15, 2016
Marsha Myrick Sanders
I can not think about Poplarville High School without including thoughts of Hollis Byrd. He had a lifelong impact on a lot of students.
February 15, 2016
Mardi Byrd Kelly
I'm so saddened to hear you have lost your dear, sweet daddy. I hope you are comforted by the assurance that he is rejoicing in his Heavenly home with your precious mama, Uncle Charlie & Aunt Ruby, Charlotte, Marie, Loye and Charles Edward as they all continue praising our Lord and Savior surrounded in His exquisite love.
February 15, 2016
Diane Hariel
Martha Lou, so sorry to hear about your dad. My prayers and condolences to you and your family.
February 15, 2016
Ricky Aldridge
I remember Mr Byrd from School. He always had a smile on his face, and always had "something going on" with somebody. Such a character!! God bless the family and our sincerest prayers and love sent....
February 15, 2016
dawn riels (mcclendon)
Mr Byrd was such a great person he will truly be missed! His family is in my thoughts and prayers.
February 15, 2016
Laurie McDaniel (Dupont)
Mr. Byrd was my bus driver and school teacher. There wasn't a day went by that he didn't make me laugh and smile. Many great memories! Praying for Martha Lou, Grady, and your families.
February 15, 2016
Gloria Youngblood/Woda
So sorry to hear abt Hollis, he was such a sweet man. I know he will be greatly missed. Praying for all of you during this sad time.
February 15, 2016
Hated to hear this news. Just saw him not long ago, he ways always picking around. Such a character. Will be missed. Sherry Smith Arrington (Former Student).
February 15, 2016
Paulette Edwards
So sorry to hear this news. I have very found memories of this entire family. They were so special to the community.
February 15, 2016
Becjy Reid Bilbo
Mr Byrd taught more than he ever realized. Such a wonderful man. He us greatly missed.
February 15, 2016
April Harris
Mr. Byrd has touched so many lives! You will forever be a part of so many lives! Praying for your family.
Love,
Sassafras!
February 15, 2016
Nancy & Mickey Robertson
Mickey and I were so sad to hear the news about Hollis! We have so many wonderful memories of the 11 years we spent in Lumberton! Hollis and Elaine made us feel like a part of their family! I know that he will truly be missed by all.
Nancy and Mickey Robertson
February 15, 2016
Linda Bilbo
I'm so sorry for your loss. I know you will miss him everyday. We can only imagine the grand celebration that took place the minute he stepped across to his eternal home. When I was growing up I can remember him stopping by checking on my grandparents. He would bring a jar of honey or a mess of greens and always called everyone by name and before he left we were all laughing at something he told us. It didn't matter where I saw him he always knew me and he had a conversation before he left. He was a fine Christian man. Praying for you and your family.
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