James Edgar Byrd

James Edgar Byrd, 88, passed away January 9, 2021. A native of Harnett County James was born to the late Willis Edgar and Maggie Ola Poston Byrd. James proudly served in the US Army and loved spending time at the American Legion with his brothers in service. He was a longtime member of Fellowship Baptist Church and enjoyed the time he served there, especially working with the youth. James also spent more than 30 years working at Central Prison before retiring, only to go back to work as a contractor for the prison. He loved and missed his wife, Edna and his son, Douglas, both of whom were taken from him far too young. There will be a Funeral Service at 11:00 AM Tuesday, January 12, 2021 at Bryan-Lee Funeral Home, 1200 Benson Rd. Garner, NC 27529. James will lie in state from 10 to 11am prior to the service at the funeral home for friends to pay their respects. He is survived by sisters, Lillie Mae “Topsy” Frisbee and Frances Buchanan and husband, Bob; brothers, Gene Byrd and wife, Edna, Billy Byrd and wife, Joan, and Johnny Wiggins; sister-in-law, Katie Beasley; as well as several nieces and nephews. Along with his parents James was preceded in death by his wife, Edna Jones Byrd; son, Douglas Byrd; sister, Elizabeth Hawley; and brother, Ernest Byrd. In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his honor to the American Legion Post in Garner or Fellowship Baptist Church, 5029 Old Stage Road, Raleigh, NC 27603.