Shepherd Earl Byrd, Jr.

Shepherd Earl Byrd Jr. crossed over into heaven on February 22, 2023. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Brenda Ennis Byrd; daughter Kimberly Byrd Clark and husband Willie; daughter Michelle Byrd, grandson Maddox Shepherd Strader and his father Mark Strader, and granddaughter Victoria Clark. He is preceded in death by his parents, Florence Taylor Byrd and Shepherd Earl Byrd, Sr.

Shep Jr, as he was called by all those who knew him, attended Cleveland High School, where he was a star athlete, playing basketball and baseball for the legendary Bruce Coats. After graduation in 1960, he went on to eventually work for the State of NC: Department of Health and Human Services, starting out as an IT Specialist and eventually becoming and retiring as an IT Team Manager.

He was a member of Providence Presbyterian Church, where he was ordained as a Deacon on 12/26/1976 and served until 1980. He also made memories as a Scout Master for the Tuscarora Council, Troop 64.

He was an avid motorcyclist. On most Saturdays, he could be found at Ray Price Harley Davidson, (the “shop” as it was called), on a bench, with a cigar, surrounded by friends, sharing stories, bad jokes and laughter. These chat sessions brought several great men and women into his life who remained important to him through his final days. He always enjoyed time spent with his buddies on and off the bikes and relished all the amazing memories they made!

Bluegrass music was his favorite and, in his early years, he would hold epic jam sessions in the garage of their home, ironically located on a street named Bluegrass Drive.

Spending time with family was very important to him – trips to the family beach house, taking the family to Disney, surprise cheesecakes from Kim, pop-in dinners delivered by Michelle & Maddox, and Mom’s cooking on the daily! He always loved being surrounded by the people who were most important to him and he always made sure we knew that he loved us.

His greatest joy in life was spending time with his grandson Maddox, whom he loved unconditionally. Trips to Disney, fishing, front yard basketball, putt-putt golf, a mutual love of all things UNC and tabletop UNO tournaments were just some of the fun things they shared together.

He was a giant of a man with a kind heart and a gentle soul. He always had a need to help those who asked for it and always had a smile and a laugh to share. That smile, that laugh, that heart, that soul will be sorely missed by all who knew him, especially his family.

WE LOVE YOU DADDY – GO REST HIGH

IN LIEU OF FLOWERS, PLEASE MAKE A DONATION TO ONE OF THESE ORGANIZATIONS CLOSE TO OUR HEARTS: AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY, AMERICAN STROKE ASSOCIATION OR AMERICAN DIABETES ASSOCIATION

Celebration of Life to be held at:

Providence Presbyterian Church

14664 NC-210, Angier, NC 27501

Friday, March 3rd, 2023 at 2:00pm