Pastor Joseph W. Byrd

Pastor Joseph W. Byrd went home to be with God January 12, 2018, at the Veterans Administration Hospital's Community Life Center Hospice after a short illness.

Pastor Byrd was 94 years old. He was born August 3, 1923. He served in the United States Army during World War II as a Master Sgt. in Reconnaissance. He worked for Tennessee Eastman after returning from military duty. After being called to preach, he left Tennessee Eastman to become the pastor of Bloomingdale Baptist Church. He faithfully pastored Bloomingdale Baptist Church for 61 years where he officiated in over 1,400 weddings, 1,500 civilian funerals and 2,200 military funerals. He received many awards for his service for God, community, and military.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Eileen Barker Byrd; his parents, Rev. Allie R. and Gussie Frazier Byrd; brothers, Allie R. Byrd, Jr., and Donald Byrd; sister, Faye Porter; and grandson, Donnie Taylor.

Surviving are his children, Ronald Byrd and wife Donna; Stephen Byrd, Yvonne Douthat and husband Gene, Teresa Hoskins and husband Steve; grandchildren, Katy Craig, Steve Byrd, Angie Clark, Jennie Haney, Joey Taylor, Andy Hoskins, and Kayden Douthat; and nine great-grandchildren; brothers, Bill Byrd and Jim Byrd; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Monday, January 15, 2018, at Oak Hill Memorial Park with Pastor Phil Whittemore officiating. The American Legion Post #3/265 will conduct full military honors. Deacons of Bloomingdale Baptist Church will serve as pallbearers with music by Jerry Taylor.

Special thanks to all the wonderful employees of the Veteran's Administration Hospital's Community Life Center Hospice for their care.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Bloomingdale Baptist Church to the Parking Area Fund.

This 94 year old soldier has faded away.

Cemetery Details