Edward J. Bryd

December 1, 1926 — August 16, 2014

On Saturday, August 16, 2014, God in His infinite wisdom, transitioned our beloved Dea. Edward Junious Byrd, from his labor to reward.Born on December 1, 1926 to the late Homer Sr. and Mattie Byrd, he was the oldest of four children. Edward was educated at Hollybush School, getting there by walking daily.After finishing his education, he became a farmer.At some time during these years, Edward's friend Wilbur Butler, Sr. introduced him to Ruth Haskins who was to become his wife of nearly 63 years.The two of them were inseparable. To better support his family, Edward went on to become an employee with Newport News Shipbuilding. In 1966, he joined the International Longshoremen Association (Gang 93) where he was employed for 20 years, until his retirement in 1986. His grandchildren often remarked of how they never knew that he worked! At an early age, Edward accepted Christ and became a member of St. Paul Holiness Church where remained a faithful member until his health began to decline.Edward served in many capacities in the church including Trustee, Deacon, Transportation Driver and faithful Bible Study and Sunday School member. After retiring, Edward would spend his days in his garden, working around the house, traveling with Ruth and spending time with his family.Edward loved listening to good gospel singing, and singing himself. Even at his lowest point, he would join in with his family members by his bedside and sing praises to God. Edward enjoyed visiting neighboring churches.If there was ever a musical program or revival going on in the area and he knew about it, and could get there, there he would be.He also loved going on his Sunday rides after church and visiting the sick and shut in, which he continued until his health no longer permitted him to do so. Possessing a humble and compassionate spirit, Edward was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone.He loved the Lord first, but also loved his family and friends. He will be solely missed, but we have the blessed assurance that he has gone on to be with "Sweet Jesus." Edward was predeceased by his father, Homer Byrd, Sr.; his mother, Mattie Byrd; brother, Homer Byrd, Jr.; sister, Bernice Bailey; and brothers-in-law, Samuel Haskins, Jr. and Walter Ford. He leaves to cherish his loving memories: his devoted wife of 62 years, Elizabeth Ruth Haskins Byrd, three children:Sandra Blount (Ernest), Sheila Lane (Frankie), and Stacy Byrd, Sr. (Rowena) all of Surry, VA; six grandchildren: Ladrian Lane (Denisha), Sandricka Blount, Christopher Lane, Scharre' Lane, Sirena Sears (George), and Stacy Byrd, Jr.; 8 great-grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, and 7 step great-grandchildren; brother Earnest Byrd, Sr.; sister-in-law Audrey Byrd; brothers and sisters-in-law, Isiah Haskins, Sr., Virginia Sydnor, Nelson Haskins (Ida), Dorothy Ford, Mary Evelyn Williams, James Haskins (Louise) and Alvin Haskins (Annette), along with nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, co-workers, and 3 dedicated caregivers Vyster Brown and Verna Brown (Grace -N-Home Care For You), and Irene Batten. Funeral service will be held noon, Friday, August 22, 2014, at St. Paul Holiness Church, Dendron, VA.Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the church.Interment in the church cemetery. Arrangements by Shivers Funeral Chapel.

Burial Date August 22, 2014

Funeral service will be held noon, Friday, August 22, 2014, at St. Paul Holiness Church, Dendron, VA. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the church. Interment in the church cemetery.

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Edward J. Bryd

December 1, 1926 — August 16, 2014

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