Otha Maldry Byrd

OTHA MALDRY BYRD, 87, of Little Rock, passed away peacefully in the early morning of Aug. 27, 2014, at the Veterans Memorial Hospital in Little Rock. He was born on July 14, 1927 in Frisco City, Ala. He was preceded in death by his parents, Sydney and Emma Byrd, and by his seven siblings. Maldry is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Dorothy L. Byrd; three children, Sharron Byrd Cossey (Dennis) of Little Rock, Ark., Debra Byrd of Brookwood, Ala., and Dwain M. Byrd (Tracy) of Fayetteville, Ark.; and two grandchildren, John Byrd and Daniel Byrd, both of Fayetteville. Maldry proudly served his country as a 20-year veteran in the United States Air Force. The following year he went on to work as a manager for the Arkansas Employment Security Division until retiring. Maldry was a life-long Southern Baptist and longtime member of Geyer Springs Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Free and Accepted Masons. Maldry's Christian principles and strength of character was the cornerstone of a long and fruitful life. He was a devoted husband and loving father who always put his family first. Graveside services with Military Honors will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 11 a.m. at Pinecrest Memorial Park, on Highway 5, in Alexander. The family would like to express a word of thanks to the staff at Southern Trace in Bryant for the kind care given to him during his time living there. We would also like to praise the Little Rock Veterans Administration for the compassionate and quality care administered by all doctors and medical personnel. Memorials can be made to the Arkansas Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association in Little Rock or online at alz.org. Online guestbook is available at www.griffinleggetthealeyroth.com.