Tributes

It is with deep sorrow that the Byrd family announces the death of Mr. Charles Edward Byrd, 82. Mr. Byrd entered into rest on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The Directors of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home & Crematory are caring for the family. A funeral service to honor his life will be held at 11 o'clock on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, in The Chapel of Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home. The Rev. Chuck Chisholm will officiate, and a private family burial will be held in Piney Plain Freewill Baptist Church Cemetery. Full Military Honors will be rendered by the United States Navy. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 pm on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to the charity of one's choice. Mr. Byrd was born on Saturday, September 26, 1942, in Darlington County, SC. He is the son of the late Charles Richard Byrd and the late Sadie Mae O'Neal Byrd. Charlie was a true Navy man, an avid reader, a researcher, and a family man. He never bragged, but the evidence of how much he loved the Navy could be seen all around him in certificates and medals on the walls of his home, in pictures of the many aircraft carriers he served on, and the US Navy emblem he wore every day. During his time in the Navy, he traveled the world and made the most of his experiences. He had plenty of fun stories to tell about the cities he explored and the people he met. With a memory like a vault, he was the family historian and could produce the name of any family member or the details of any event from the family’s past, on the spot. He was passionate about the Byrd genealogy, and he loved researching articles and pictures from the past. Nearly every week, he had interesting facts to share about our ancestors, along with a printout of an old newspaper article or an old photo he had found. Evidence of the way he loved his family was shown in his move back home from Virginia Beach after his long military career. He spent so much time supporting his sisters, taking them out to lunch, and talking about old times. Charlie never missed a family dinner. He could be found in his spot at the table, talking about the Navy or answering questions about relatives. He also loved to joke around with anyone who was up for it. Charlie never missed a chance to gather with the family, but he was well-known for slipping out without having to say any goodbyes. Although he was a tough military man, Charlie had a huge heart. After teaching himself how to edit photos, he made copies of sentimental pictures of his siblings, nieces, and nephews and gave them out when he visited. If he learned of someone in need, he quietly provided where he could. Charlie was strong, intelligent, and loving, and will be greatly missed. He is survived by his sisters, Lib (Jesse) Tyner of Patrick, SC, Teresa (Mack) O’Neal of Patrick, SC, Cathy Byrd of Patrick, SC; brothers, Dennis (Sallie) Byrd of Patrick, SC, Richard Byrd of Georgia, Randy Byrd of Patrick, SC; sister-in-law, Janie Byrd Rivers; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers Hugh, Robert, Bill, Carl, Gene, and Rome.

Tributes

Mr. Charles Edward Byrd

September 26, 1942 - April 19, 2025