J. T. Byrd, Jr.

Rev. J.T. Byrd, The “Old Codger” has gone Home, passing away December 8th at the age of 97! After serving his country during WWII, he served his Lord through faithful dedication to his churches and served his family's needs...he’s now with his bride in Glory.

Mr. Byrd was preceded in death by his wife of almost 63 years, Dorothy “Dot” Byrd; parents J.T. Byrd, Sr. and Frances Hempstead Byrd; brother James Byrd; son-in-law Don Herring.

He is survived by his daughters; Wanda (Mark) Necaise, whom he lived with and were his sole caregivers, Charlotte Herring, and Laquido (Kerwin) Necaise; grandchildren, Marty (Carley) Grimes, Heath Necaise, Lacey (Jacob) Lichtenstein, Kyle (Johna) Necaise; great-grandchildren, Bailey and Ava Grimes, Alexis Osbourn, Brooks Lichtenstein and Levi Necaise; brother, Marshall Byrd; sister, Ruth (Forrest) Stringfellow; Friend and helpful neighbor for many years, Connie Hendry, as well as their thoughtful, sweet church friend Lou Gottlich, whom Mr. and Mrs. Byrd dearly loved and appreciated, along with numerous faithful Christian friends.

After working for Orkin Pest Control for many years, he established Byrd’s Pest Control in 1979, which he and his daughter Wanda enjoyed running together, making many “lifelong” friends. Due to his declining health and Wanda’s responsibility as Caregiver, the business was closed in 2012, when he was 87.

Mr. Byrd was a very humble man, as all which knew him could testify to. Worldly-minded possessions were not a priority in his life...serving The Lord and providing for his family were. As a faithful servant of God, he followed his dad’s path, preaching the Gospel. He was Licensed to Preach in 1966 and became an Ordained Minister in 1972.

He served as Pastor of Eastlawn Baptist Church, Bethany Baptist Church and O'Neal Road Baptist Church, where he reluctantly resigned in 2014 at the age of 89 due to declining health. A part of his heart was always with O'Neal Road Baptist Church. Although Mr. Byrd’s declined health didn’t allow him to be active, his membership was at First Baptist Church of Orange Grove.

Mr. Byrd’s reputation as a “good man” was known by his customers, church members, family, friends and all which had the privilege of knowing him.

Due to the pandemic, there will not be a Visitation or Open Funeral. A private family service will be held at the Biloxi National Cemetery on December 16th, with Bro. Dewitt Bain officiating.

You may view the online guestbook and share memories at www.riemannfamily.com and Riemann Family Funeral Home, Gulfport, is serving the family.