Gerald Duane Byrd

Gerald Duane Byrd passed away at age 90 on December 2, 2022. He was born July 28, 1932, in Hindsville, Ark., to Elmer Byrd and Flora Ernestine Neal Byrd. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bettie Rose McFee Byrd of the home, his daughter, Angela Byrd Nichols, his son-in-law, Mark Nichols, his two grandchildren, Zachary Byrd Nichols and Mollie "Malachie" Rose Nichols of Fayetteville, his sister, Melba Starnes, his nephews, Jerry Byrd and Les Starnes, his nieces, Renee Starnes and Carol Martin, and his great-nephews, Jeff Byrd and Matt Byrd. He was preceded in death by his brother, Eugene Byrd of Colorado, sister, Doris Martin, and nephews, Ernie Byrd and Gary Martin. Gerald graduated from Huntsville High School and later went to welding school in Tulsa, Okla. He was an innovative and resourceful person from his childhood, designing his parent's cannery barn around age 12. He worked many jobs, beginning by growing strawberries and selling tomatoes as a youth and then hauled chickens. Right after high school, he moved to Detroit to work for Dodge Truck, then worked as an electronics troubleshooter for Baldwin Piano. Upon returning to Arkansas, he joined the United States Post Office, where he worked for the next 25 years to better support his family. The things most important to Gerald were his family and his farm. During his time as a postal clerk, he started work early each day, so he could tend the cattle during daylight and attend each of his daughter's basketball games in the evening. He retired from the postal service to dedicate all his time to family and cattle ranching. He frequently collected wildflowers at the farm to bring to his wife and enjoyed sharing his garden with family. He could figure out how to do almost anything with just a piece of wire and a pair of pliers. Gerald was a profoundly loyal man who loved to be ornery with his daughter and grandchildren and was driven by an endless curiosity and wonder for the world around him. Gerald will be laid to rest at Mount Olive Cemetery in a private graveside celebration of his life. You may sign the online guestbook at www.bernafuneralhomes.com