Jerry Byrd

On the afternoon of Friday, November 27, 2020, with his family by his side, Jerry Byrd, 74, of Benton, Ark., passed from this earth and entered into eternal life.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Braxton and Bertha Byrd of Poyen.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 52 years, Mary; two children, Chuck (Kristy) Byrd of Benton and Missy Byrd of Bauxite; his pride and joy, three grandchildren: Paige Byrd, Jeremiah Byrd and Ashlyn Gregory; a sister, Deborah (Gary) Bridges of Magnet Cove, two brothers, Mike (Vanessa) Byrd and Mark Byrd, both of Poyen; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins, who loved him.

Jerry served as a jet mechanic in the United States Air Force, stationed at Selfridge Air Base in Michigan during the Vietnam War era. It was there he met his future wife, Mary.  Upon his honorable discharge from the Air Force, Jerry and Mary settled in Bauxite, where he would begin a 30-plus year career at ALCOA.  During that time, he continued his civic duties in the Town of Bauxite, where he served for many years on the City Council, the Water Department and the Volunteer Fire Department.  Jerry also was a volunteer for several years at his son’s Boy Scout troop in Benton.  He was raised in the Baptist faith, but attended Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church in Benton for many years with his family.  Although he was not Catholic, he supported his family in all church activities and attended all events.

Family activities were very important to Jerry.  He loved outdoor life – hunting, fishing and camping.  He instilled in his family that there was nothing more important than family time and activities. For more than 30 years, Jerry led by example and proved what family time was all about. Yearly family vacations were split between Pennsylvania, where Mary was raised and had family, and camping on Lake DeGray. Every Sunday after church, Jerry’s entire family, including his brothers and sister and their families, would gather at their parents’ home in Poyen for Sunday dinner and fellowship. Nothing was more important than family dinner on Sundays.

The family wishes to express its sincere gratitude to Dr. Dicus, Dr. Yousef, and the entire CCU nursing staff at Saline Memorial Hospital for the love and care they provided to Jerry.

Family visitation will be Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Smith Benton Funeral Home.  Graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at Lindsey-Poyen Cemetery with the Rev. Jack Vu and the Rev. Aby Abraham officiating. The cemetery address is Highway 270 East, Poyen, Ark. For best results, use Google Maps.

The family asks attendees to both visitation and the graveside services to follow Covid-19 protocols by wearing masks and adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Services entrusted to Smith-Benton Funeral Home.  Online guestbook:  www.SmithFamilyCares.com.