Billy Byrd, Sr.

Billy Leon Byrd, Sr., 84; passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2014 in Irving, Texas. Billy was born October 31, 1929 to James and Bessie Byrd in Ola, Texas. Billy went on the serve his country with honor and distinction in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He met and later married Mary Helen Smith on June 3, 1954. Billy worked for Texas Power and Light for over thirty years. Starting as a lineman, Billy would retire as a warehouse manager. Billy is preceded in death by his parents, James and Bessie Byrd; wife Mary Helen Byrd; son, Billy Byrd, Jr.; brothers, Benton Byrd, David Byrd, Marshall Byrd and James Byrd; sister, Eva Mae Dean. Those left to celebrate his life include his daughter, Sandra Vazquez; grandchildren, Billy L. Byrd III and his wife Laurie, Misty M. Byrd, Nicholas R. Byrd and his wife Promise; twelve great-grandchildren; brother, Kenneth Byrd and his wife Sandy. A gathering of family and friends will be held on Tuesday, July 1, 2014 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. A funeral service will be held the following day, Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. also at the funeral home. Interment will immediately follow the service at Oakland Memorial Park in Terrell, Texas.