Mark Byrd

1972 - 2026

D. Mark Byrd

Born: January 21, 1972 | Died: February 20, 2026

Mr. D. Mark Byrd, age 54, of Hays passed away Friday, February 20, 2026.

Mark was born January 21, 1972, in Wilkes County to Dwight and Carolyn Byrd. He attended Lewis Fork Baptist Church, and made a profession of faith at Little Mountain Baptist Church. Away from work, Mark enjoyed golfing, trout fishing, hunting, and was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan.

Mark was committed to the students and educators of Wilkes County Schools. He was a true leader who led by example. Mark was very kind and dedicated to the school system and the community. He never forgot his roots or lost sight of why he entered education: to serve students. He was well respected by his peers both local and statewide. Mark was a constant source of inspiration and guidance. He always set a good example for his nieces and nephews. He was not only a brother, but a best friend. His impact will never be forgotten, and he will be deeply missed.

Mark is survived by his parents; Dwight and Carolyn Byrd of North Wilkesboro, his fiancé; Shari Lowe of Wilkesboro, two sisters; Becky Childers of North Wilkesboro, Beth Berrong (Jeff) of North Wilkesboro, nieces and nephews; Eric Absher (Jessica), Emily Billings (Matthew), Nathan Childers, great nieces and nephews; Oakleigh Absher, Ridge Absher, Brody Berrong, and Saige Lyall. He is preceded in death by a nephew; Tyler Berrong (Ashley).

He began his tenth year as Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools in the 2025-2026 school year. He was a graduate of North Wilkes High School, Wilkes Community College, and graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor of Science in History and Secondary Education in 1994. Mark taught ELPS (Civics) and World History at North Wilkes High School from 1995-2002, where he also served as an assistant football coach and men's track coach.

After receiving his Masters in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University in 2002, he served as Assistant Principal at West Alexander Middle School and Elkin High School. He later served as Principal of North Iredell High School and Elkin High School. In 2011, he was named Elkin City School's Principal of the Year.

In 2012, he returned to Wilkes County Schools as Director of Secondary Education and was named Assistant Superintendent in 2014. In May of 2015, he received his Educational Specialist (Ed.S) in Educational Administration from Appalachian State University.

Mark was named Interim Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools effective January 1, 2016. On January 29, 2016, the Wilkes County Board of Education announced that Mark would become Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools effective July 1, 2016. Mark is the 8th superintendent to serve Wilkes County Schools since 1899.

He served on the Wake Forest Baptist Health/Wilkes Medical Center Advisory Board and served as the Vice President of Education for the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce. He previously served on the Executive Board of the North Carolina School Superintendents' Association (NCSSA) and the Board of Directors for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). In 2023, Mark was selected as the Bob McRae Superintendent of the Year by the NCHSAA. He was selected by the NWRESA as the Region 7 Superintendent of the Year for 2021-2022 and was also recognized as the North Carolina Public School Maintenance Association Superintendent of the Year for 2021.

Funeral services will be held 12:00 Noon Saturday, February 28, 2026, at The John A Walker Center on the Wilkes Community College Campus with Rev. Benny Romans, Dr. Westley Wood, Rev. Sherrill Wellborn, and Mr. Eric Absher officiating. The family will receive immediately following the service in the Lakey Ballroom.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Gideon's International Wilkes South Camp, P.O. Box 323 Wilkesboro, NC 28697, or Nichols for Kids C/O Wilkes County Schools, 613 Cherry Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659.

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com.