William Byrd

BREVARD - William Allen Byrd, Jr., 88, of Brevard passed away on Dec. 23, 2013. He was born on June 21, 1925 in Harnett County, N.C., and raised in Durham. He moved to Coral Gables, Fla., in 1939 and attended Ponce de Leon High School. In October of 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and served as a navigator in WWII. After his discharge in 1945, he accepted a basketball scholarship at the University of Tennessee and received his BS in Education in 1949.
He then returned to Coral Gables, Fla. and earned an MS and D. Ed. from the University of Miami, Fla. He spent 38 years in Education because he believed all children, regardless of color, deserved a good education. In 1987 he retired from the Garnet Valley Schools in Concordville, Penn. and moved to Connestee Falls. His retirement included working with Habitat for Humanity and doing renovation projects at his house and for countless others. He enjoyed spending time playing golf and traveling with family and friends.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years Maelen "Pinkie" Byrd, daughter Margery Ann Byrd of Boone, and son, Joseph William (Julie) Byrd of Raleigh. There will be a celebration of his life next summer. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Special Olympics of NC (www.sonc.net) or the Autism Society of America. Condolences may be made to the family at www.AshevilleMortuaryServices.com.