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Greg Byrd Obituary
Christopher Byrd
Asheville - Greg and his sons Christopher and Phillip Byrd died tragically in a plane crash on May 8 in Atlanta, GA on their way to Oxford, MS. Also lost in the accident was Christopher's fiancée, Jackie Kulzer of Atlanta, GA.
Greg Byrd, 53, is survived by his parents, Peggy and Grady Byrd and his devoted partner of five years, Theresa Trebon; his son, Robert Winslow Byrd; and his sisters, Leslie Byrd Farquhar and Elizabeth Byrd Etheridge and their children. Greg, who graduated from Christ School in 1980 and attended NC State, was the owner of Tan Universe and a former deputy with the Buncombe County Sheriff's Department for 17 years. Most recently, he served as an active reserve officer.
Christopher Freeman Byrd, 27, and Phillip Armstrong Byrd, 26, are survived by their mother Hope Swicegood Byrd, their brother Robert Winslow Byrd and grandparents Peggy and Joe Swicegood and Peggy and Grady Byrd. Christopher and Phillip's aunts and uncles are Lynda and Carr Swicegood, Michele Swicegood, Leslie and Gordon Farquhar, and Elizabeth and Jonathan Etheridge. Their beloved cousins are Steven and Alexander Demetriou; Reggie King; Joseph, Andrew and Sarah Margaret Swicegood, Chelsea and Jack Farquhar and Amelia and Colson Etheridge.
Memorials in Greg's name may be made to Christ School, 500 Christ School Road, Arden NC 28704. Memorials in Christopher and Jackie's names may be made to the University of Mississippi Alumni Association, Triplett Alumni Center, PO Box 1848, University, MS 38677. Christopher and Jackie, both graduates of The University of Mississippi, were employed in Atlanta. Phillip Byrd was the owner of Curb Appeal Landscaping. Memorials in Phillip's name may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church Street, Asheville NC 28801.
The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 PM on Sunday, May 10, 2015 at the Biltmore Forest Town Hall, 355 Vanderbilt Road, Asheville NC 28803. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 11, 2015 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family and a memorial guest register is available at grocefuneralhome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Greg Byrd
Kelly Waldroup
May 6, 2017
Miss you Lt. Love you so much.
Sharlene Moore
May 24, 2015
My deepest sympathies to your family. My daughter knew Chris from Ole Miss and working together in Oxford.
May 23, 2015
I Felt An Angel
I felt an angel near today, though one I could not see
I felt an angel oh so close, sent to comfort me
I felt an angel's kiss, soft upon my cheek
And oh, without a single word of caring did it speak
I felt an angel's silken wings enfold me with pure love
And felt a strength within me grow, a strength sent from above
I felt an angel oh so close, though one I could not see
I felt an angel near today, sent to comfort me.
~Author Unknown
John Parsons
May 19, 2015
Hope - I haven't seen you in many years but this tragic news made its way to me. I can't imagine what you're going through right now. I"m just so sorry.
Salpointe Catholic High School
May 15, 2015
The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to Theresa and all of the Byrd family. You are in our prayers at this difficult time.
Rachel Romaneschi
May 15, 2015
Theresa,
I wish I had the right words that could ease your pain and help you through this terrible, tragic loss. I wish so much I could be there to give you a huge hug and help you dry your tears. Know that you are in my daily thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. My deepest condolences to you my dear friend.
Janet Clark
May 14, 2015
With deepest sympathy
JoAnn Garner
May 13, 2015
With heartfelt sympathy and condolences to Theresa Trebon and the extended families upon this tragic loss of your loved ones. May time help you only remember their smiles and the enduring goodness of their time with you.
Deborah Baughman
May 13, 2015
I am so deeply saddened by the loss of these wonderful people. May they rest in peace.
Ginger Golding Wilkins
May 12, 2015
Hope - Sending our heartfelt condolences to the Swicegood, Byrd, and Kulzer families. These types of tragedies are unimaginable, making them that much more difficult. I have prayed ceaselessly for God's peaceful and loving arms to be wrapped around you.
May 12, 2015
In the arms of angels. Loving peace and rest.All the loved ones that are left behind are the ones who hurt. It is they that are in my thoughts today. Greg was a wonderful person and a dedicated officer. L. Barlow-Marley. Wilkesboro,N.C.
Carol Crooks
May 11, 2015
Even though I didn't know anyone aboard the aircraft, I feel a closeness as I had just returned from visiting a friend of mine off Christ School Road in Arden. It was such a tragic accident and my thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
Wil & Sylvia Coudriet
May 11, 2015
Hope, there is just no way we can adequately express the sympathy and sense of loss we feel for you and your family. You are in our most fervent prayers. May our loving God be with you in this most difficult hour.
Kenneth Byrd
May 11, 2015
Deepest sympathy for your losses. Your family is in our prayers.
May 11, 2015
I am so sorry for your losses, my thoughts and prayers are with all three families. Laura Lee Collins (friend of Hope Swicegood)
Carol Gray
May 11, 2015
We are so very sorry for the tragic loss of your loved ones and are thinking of you during this difficult time.
Beth Williams
May 11, 2015
Many prayers and deep sympathy for your family and friends. I know that words cannot express your sorrow
Brenda Gay
May 11, 2015
Keeping your family in thought and prayer.
Alla Bumburyak
May 11, 2015
Dear Hope,
I am praying for you and your family during this difficult time.
"May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant"
-Psalm 119:16
Harriet Tauber Brewster
May 11, 2015
With healing prayers, love and condolences to the Byrds and Swicegood families after your tragic loss. Peace be with you all.
Kathy Inkidar
May 11, 2015
Hope, you are in my prayers. May God give you peace.
Stephen (Step) & Cindy Shaffer
May 11, 2015
Dear Grady & Peggy. Our sincere condolences & heart felt sympathy with prayers to you & your family. The Lord called them home & our trust & faith must guide. Christ School. '55, the ties that bind.
Ray Merrill
May 11, 2015
Dear Byrd & Swicegood families,
Please know that everyone is in our thoughts & prayers. Linda & I are so sorry for this tragic loss to your familes. We remember the good times with Greg at the feed stores & about 2 years ago we were eating @ Three Pigs & had the pleasure of meeting a grandson. I think it was Phillip. I introduced myself & he came over to sit with us & wanted to hear all about his dad & grandfather during that era. A fine young man to be proud of. Remember Proverbs 3:5.
Love to all, Ray & Linda Merrill
Nick Cocozziello
May 11, 2015
The Byrd brothers where ALWAYS a pleasure to be around, laughed and made the best out of everything. Truly will miss those guys. GOD Bless
Stacy Small
May 11, 2015
I am heartbroken and my love and prayers go out to all families involved. I have fond memories of my late mother's friendship with Hope and her love for their entire family. People around the country are praying for all of you.
Laura Sword
May 11, 2015
So very sorry for your loss . May God be with each and everyone of you. Praying for all of the families involved.
Margaret Boone-Mater
May 11, 2015
I was very sad to learn of this Friday. I babysat for Greg as his grandparents (Freeman) were our neighbors on Park Road. My love and prayers go to the Byrd family and I am sending strength and faith to Hope Swicegood. You will all be in my prayers.
May 11, 2015
Bert Moore.....May God be with you and your family
Jeff Gregory
May 11, 2015
My prayers are with Hope and her family during this difficult time. God's plan for us can be hard to understand during times like this, but we must remain faithful.
Bobbie Mann
May 11, 2015
So sorry for your loss
Bobbie Mann
May 11, 2015
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Consuela Carter
May 10, 2015
May the Holy Trinity and all of your Angels keep and comfort all of your during this difficult time. I have shed many tears for your loss, but I know God has many works we do not understand, but His love is perfect. We love all of you so much and are praying for you.
Alice L. Hunnicutt
May 10, 2015
Since I reside in the Atlanta, GA area, I learned about this tragic accident as it happened from one of our news channels. Even though I didn't know any of the passengers, as a Christian I immediately began to pray. I lost a grandmother many years ago in a car accident around Christmas. We were going to Miami from Macon, GA. My grandmother was elderly & had lived a long, happy life so this is nothing to compare. I just wanted you to know that my thoughts & prayers are with your family now & during the days to come.
Judy Price
May 10, 2015
So sorry for your loss
Mandi Baldwin
May 10, 2015
I am so sorry for your loss. Greg, was such a wonderful person, he will live on in our memories forever.
Jean Spinell
May 10, 2015
People you don't know are praying for your family during this tragedy. Please know how sorry we are.
Doug Sewell
May 10, 2015
Thinking of the Byrd family and friends as well as those who knew and loved Miss Kulzer. This a tragically sad, and difficult time for all who knew them and will miss them. May God be with their families and may their souls rest in peace. I also mourn the loss of a family pet, one of Gods creatures also. I don't personally know any of you, but my experiences with loss help me to understand your loss, and I pray for remaining friends and family who have to continue ahead under the most difficult circumstances I believe we face as humans. I pray for you, and will think of you, never forgetting the news as i heard about the accident. Maybe this event has affected me so much because I have roots in Asheville, Atlanta, and PDK airport which I've flown out of many times....and primarily because I'm a human being that cringes anytime I hear of such an event.
Spencer Cross
May 10, 2015
Hope, just know you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. We love you.
Sue Cave
May 10, 2015
Our deepest sympathies...The Caves
Russ Ingersoll
May 10, 2015
Your loss is profound and devastating. Both Pat and I are keeping your family in our prayers.
James and Linda Banks
May 10, 2015
We are truly sorry for the great loss in your family. Our prayers are with you during this most difficult time in your family.
Nancy and Tunc Togar
May 10, 2015
We along with the entire Eksioglu family-Erim,Deni,Asya,Alara,and Alegra-send our very deepest condolences to all the families.We especially send our prayers to Hope who is so kind to all children.
Teresa Thornberry Peterson
May 10, 2015
I am so saddened and shocked at your loss . Being a mother I could not imagine. Prayers ,thoughts and love go out to Hope, her son and the Swicegood , Byrd family. Only your faith could get you through.
Charleen Ballard
May 10, 2015
Love will find a way. I feel so sorry for your pain and loss. Not soon, will you heal, yet may you find some comfort in knowing they will always be loved and cherished...especially by you.
Lloyd Brockwell
May 10, 2015
My heart aches for the Swicegood Family. I have very fond memories of working with Christopher on caterings. He was a fine young man. Continued prayers.
ricky smith
May 10, 2015
I am so sorry I will keep u in my prayer
May 10, 2015
It is hard to understand this unbelievable tragedy. We are so profoundly sorry for your losses. We will continue to pray for strength,trust,grace and peace, throughout this ordeal, for all of you and your losses. With Love,John and Judy Riddle
May God's Grace and Peace always be with you .
REV. JAMES GRANT
May 10, 2015
DEAR FAMILY, THIS LOSS OF LIFE IS SO TRAGIC TO US, BUT IS HEAVENS GAIN. I PRAY THAT THE LORD WILL BLESS AND COMFORT YOU ALL AT THIS TIME OF GRIEF AND PAIN. GREG AND I WORKED ON MANY ASSIGNMENTS TOGETHER AND HE WAS A TRUE GENTLEMAN. BOTH FAMILIES ARE FRIENDS OF LONG AGO AND WE CHERISH YOU. WE ASK MERCY, GRACE AND PEACE BE WITH YOU. YOURS IN CHRIST, THE FAMILY OF THE LATE REV. DR. WESLEY GRANT, SR.
May 10, 2015
Our deepest condolences to all the families during this very difficult time. You are all in our deepest prayers.
The Moncure Family
Nancy and David Swann
May 10, 2015
David and I were so shocked and saddened to learn of this devastating tragedy. We are in Atlanta child sitting and knew there had been a plane crash Friday morning, but it was not until we received an email from Christ School that we knew. We feel so badly that we are not in Asheville to be with you for the service tomorrow, but want you to know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers. We send our deepest sympathy and our love to your entire family.
Nancy and David Swann
Jeff Dave
May 10, 2015
The Dave Family is so saddened about this tragic loss. I will always hold fond memories of my fraternity brother and roommate at NC State. Those memories will continue with the rememberance of the good times that Christopher and my daughter Jordan shared. These memories will always be with us. Bless the Byrd family.
Lori and Whitney Penland
May 10, 2015
We send our deepest condolences to the family during this tragic time. Greg, Phillip, and Christopher were great men and they will truly be missed.
Ferguson Tommy
May 10, 2015
I was shocked when I heard of this tragic accident, that it was my childhood friend. My heart and prayers are with the Byrd, Swicegood, and Kulzer families.
Bill Poore
May 10, 2015
So sorry to hear about this tragic lost of Greg and his brothers I knew Greg from the sheriff's office he will be greatly missed thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Wayne and Amanda Fisher
May 9, 2015
We are shocked and heart broken about this tragic accident and want the Byrd, Swicegood, and Trebon families to know that we are praying for you and you are in our constant thoughts. We love Greg and the boys and will miss them deeply. We have so many fond memories and will cherish them always.
Love,
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