Gary Lee Byrd

Gary Lee Byrd, age 69 of the Annadell community, went home to be with his Savior on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at North Knoxville Medical Center in Powell, TN surrounded by his loving wife and family as God entered the room while loved ones sang His praises.

Gary was born on October 31, 1949; the son of the late Dilmon and Mae Hughett Byrd. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by great-grandchild Baby Burchfield; infant brother Joseph Dilmon Byrd; brothers Kennith Byrd and wife Lorene, Rev. Eugene Byrd, Vennis Byrd, sister Maxine Cross and husband Luther, nephews Brian Byrd and Dr. Neal Cross, mother-in-law Gemima Hughett, and sisters-in-law Janet Chastain and Edith Byrd.

He was a faithful member of New Salem United Baptist Church for 54 years, joining in 1964. In 1977, he was ordained as a church deacon, serving for 41 years.

He is survived by the love of his life for over 48 years, Lois Hughett Byrd; three daughters: Leah B. Phillips and fiancée Bill Adkins, Greta Phillips and husband Danny, all of Pioneer, Angela Sexton and husband Jake of Oneida; eight grandchildren: Darryl Lee Phillips of Knoxville, Alex Burchfield and husband Marcus of Sylvania, GA, Courtney West and husband Devin of Huntsville, Jeremiah and Isaiah Sexton of Oneida, Joshua, Braxton, and Dalton Phillips of Pioneer; four great-grandchildren: McKenleigh and Kellan West, and Everlei and Rory Mae Burchfield; brothers Paul Byrd and Odis Byrd and wife Liz of Indianapolis IN; sisters Shirley Crabtree and husband David of Muncie, IN and Wanda Byrd and husband Jerry of Alexandria, IN, sisters-in-law Gearldine Byrd of Plainfield, IN and Joyce Byrd of Huntsville, Carolyn Foster of Oneida, Judy Daugherty and husband Gloyid of Jacksboro and special friends Jupe and Kaye Marcum and his church family.

In addition to being remembered as a loving husband, father, papaw, and brother, Gary was a beloved uncle and leaves behind many nieces and nephews, all of whom were very dear to him.

Friends may visit with the Byrd family on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 from 6 to 9 p.m. in the chapel of West-Murley Funeral Home in Oneida. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 14, 2019, with Bro. Chase Lay, Bro. Marcus Burchfield, and Gary’s Pastor Bro. Wayne King officiating. Music will be provided by his grandsons, Darryl Phillips, Jeremiah Sexton, niece Karen Coffey, Chris Sewell and David Walker.

Burial service will follow at Botts Cemetery in the Annadell community. Serving as pallbearers are nephews Ray, Willie, and Anthony Byrd, Dennis and Jason Byrd, and Dwight Cross. Honorary pallbearers are Kameron Byrd, Jonathan Cross and Matthew Byrd.

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints.

                                                                           -Psalm 116:15

West-Murley Funeral Home is serving the family of Gary Lee Byrd.

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