Herbert Byrd
July 16, 1928 — April 29, 2016
Herbert Byrd
Herbert (Herbie) Byrd, 87, of Little Rock died Friday, April 29, 2016. He was born on July 16, 1928 in Tryronzia, AR. Survivors include his widow, Wanda Huneycutt Byrd. Preceding him were his parents, W. E. and Bernice Pyle Byrd and infant brother, George L. Byrd.
Byrd attended Little Rock public schools, Little Rock Junior College and its successor, the University of Little Rock (now U-A-L-R). His life's work included commercial broadcasting and staff-management with a business-industry organization.
Byrd's name and voice became very well-known during a broadcast career which spanned 40 years, including coverage of governors Orval Faubus, Winthrop Rockefeller, Dale Bumpers, David Pryor, Bill Clinton and Frank White. He was the first broadcaster in Arkansas to originate live-broadcasts of news events from the scenes of the events.
During the Korean War he served in the Air Force. Overseas, his regular duties included special assignments with Armed Forces Radio Services and as co-editor of the base newspaper while stationed at Itazuke Air Force Base, Japan.
Memorials may be made to a favorite charity. Interment will be private.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Herbie's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
Below are excerpts from past newspaper articles in the Arkansas Gazette, Arkansas Democrat and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette regarding Herbert R. Byrd "Herbie":
06-19-1997 Demo-Gaz Managing editor John R. Starr in his column
"...the best radio newsman who ever worked in Arkansas."
07/30/1995 Demo-Gaz, Leroy Donald
"...the embodiment of the phrase ‘radio news,' became one of the most
popular newscasters.. Especially during the 1957 Central High Integration
Crisis."
12/04/1984 Ark-Gaz, William Green
"Byrd was considered the dean of Radio reporters in the State."
05/03/1981 AR Demo Sun TV magazine feature story by Jan Meins
"Listeners to radio station KLRA-AM 1010, have been getting their news
From Herbie Byrd for years..."
08/17/1983 AR Demo Mid Week Magazine cover story by Sheila Yount
"...in the early 1950's Byrd got his first full-time news job .. he became
an innovator of change."
Byrd attended Little Rock public schools, Little Rock Junior College and its successor, the University of Little Rock (now U-A-L-R). His life's work included commercial broadcasting and staff-management with a business-industry organization.
Byrd's name and voice became very well-known during a broadcast career which spanned 40 years, including coverage of governors Orval Faubus, Winthrop Rockefeller, Dale Bumpers, David Pryor, Bill Clinton and Frank White. He was the first broadcaster in Arkansas to originate live-broadcasts of news events from the scenes of the events.
During the Korean War he served in the Air Force. Overseas, his regular duties included special assignments with Armed Forces Radio Services and as co-editor of the base newspaper while stationed at Itazuke Air Force Base, Japan.
Memorials may be made to a favorite charity. Interment will be private.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Herbie's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.
Below are excerpts from past newspaper articles in the Arkansas Gazette, Arkansas Democrat and the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette regarding Herbert R. Byrd "Herbie":
06-19-1997 Demo-Gaz Managing editor John R. Starr in his column
"...the best radio newsman who ever worked in Arkansas."
07/30/1995 Demo-Gaz, Leroy Donald
"...the embodiment of the phrase ‘radio news,' became one of the most
popular newscasters.. Especially during the 1957 Central High Integration
Crisis."
12/04/1984 Ark-Gaz, William Green
"Byrd was considered the dean of Radio reporters in the State."
05/03/1981 AR Demo Sun TV magazine feature story by Jan Meins
"Listeners to radio station KLRA-AM 1010, have been getting their news
From Herbie Byrd for years..."
08/17/1983 AR Demo Mid Week Magazine cover story by Sheila Yount
"...in the early 1950's Byrd got his first full-time news job .. he became
an innovator of change."
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Herbert Byrd, please visit our flower store.
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