Claude H. Byrd Sr.

Claude H. Byrd Sr., age 95, of Pascagoula, MS, transitioned to his eternal home on April 9, 2025. He was born in Burnt Corn, Alabama, to Claude Mitchell Byrd and Florence Virginia Lett Byrd.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Willie Frank Byrd; sisters, Allie Hill Salters, Annie Ruth Steen, Lillie Mae Lindsey, and Juanita Aquart; nephew, Jessie McCorvey; as well as several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
Affectionately known as "Luke," he left Alabama during his early years and moved to New York, where he resided with his sister, Allie Hill, and his brother-in-law, Jessie Salters. He worked various small jobs before being drafted to serve in the United States Armed Forces. He was an Army veteran and served during the Korean War.
After completing his military service, he relocated to Mississippi and lived with family. He gained employment at the International Paper Mill in Moss Point, MS, starting as a laborer and steadily rising through the ranks. He also worked part-time as a longshoreman over the years.
Through the union of marriage to the late Susie Ann Byrd, seven children were born: Vera Virginia Byrd, Argean Camilla Byrd-Walker, Cynthia Annette Byrd, Kathy Denise Byrd-Lindsay, Claude Byrd Jr., Jeffrey Anthony Byrd, and Ricky Zachary Byrd.
He was preceded in death by his children: Jeffrey A. Byrd, Claude Byrd Jr., Argean Byrd-Walker, and Vera V. Byrd.
He later remarried, and through that union, he welcomed his wife, Erma J. Parker Byrd, and her two sons, Jimmie Langham and Raymond Parker. He preceded Erma Jean in death in 2011.
Luke retired from the International Paper Mill after 41 years of dedicated service. In his later years, he worked as a bus driver for the Mississippi Head Start Program.
Coming from humble beginnings in Alabama, dad worked hard from a young age and throughout his adult life. He was never flashy nor boastful. He rarely missed a day of work and took great pride in doing every job to the best of his ability. He was always willing to help his family and friends in his own way and on his own terms, whenever he felt it was right.
He often said, "No one ever gave me anything - I earned everything myself." This spirit of independence, responsibilityand dignity defined him. He was sharp in business, good with numbers, and kept up with world events. A man of many talents, Luke was a natural handyman, self-taught mechanic, skilled gardener, and more.
He was also a committed voter who believed in showing up and handling his responsibilities. After becoming a widower, he continued to live independently until his health declined.
He leaves to cherish his memory:
• His children: Cynthia A. Byrd, Kathy Byrd-Lindsay, Ricky Z. Byrd, and Shaniqua Leah Byrd.
• Stepsons: Jimmie Langham and Raymond Parker.
• Ten grandchildren: Michael Abney, Eric Abney, DeAngela Walker, Derrick Walker, Malik Byrd, Joshua Byrd, Joseph Byrd, Maya Fountain, Moya Fountain and Aiyani Byrd.
• Nine great-grandchildren.
• Siblings: Arneicie McMillan (Pensacola, FL), Lloyd Byrd Sr. (Moss Point, MS), and Berniece Dean (Pace, FL).
• A host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.