Chief David Wesley Byrd

David Wesley Byrd, 64, was a man who lived life with tremendous passion. The son of the late James M. Byrd, Sr. and Lecta M. Byrd, David was born in Reno, Nevada, in 1960. He passed away on January 10, 2025 in Columbia, South Carolina with his family by his side.
David will be forever remembered by his wife of forty-one years, Dr. Sandra Fawley Byrd, and his beloved daughter Blakely Radford (Bryson). He is survived by his mother Lecta Byrd and his brothers Jim Byrd, Jr. (Tammi) and John Byrd (Loretta). He was pre-deceased by his father James M. Byrd, Sr. and his beloved bird dog, Llew. David was best personified by his witty humor, a mischievous twinkle in his blue eyes and the profound impact he had on the lives of all who knew him. May his memory be a blessing that continues to inspire others and may his dedicated daughter, who was his everything, carry forth his legacy of love, laughter, loyalty to family and his example of faith in Jesus Christ that he poured into her.
Upon graduating from Spring Valley High School in 1978, David went on to earn a degree in Criminal Justice from the University of South Carolina. Go Cocks! One of David's most commendable accomplishments was his life-long career in law enforcement. He joined the Irmo Police Department in 1982 and was promoted to Chief of Police in 1984. In 1988, he became a proud graduate of the FBI National Academy, 155th Session. David went on to become an instructor at Midlands Technical College for the South Carolina State Constable Program and a driving and firearms instructor at the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. He opened his first private investigation firm in 1992, Byrd & Associates, and opened a second firm, Streater-Byrd Investigations, in 2008 along with his partner Sheriff Cambo Streater. David also served as a Senior SLED Agent in the Regulatory Division. He was a member of the South Carolina Police Chiefs Association, South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Association, the FBI National Academy Associates, and the South Carolina Association of Legal Investigators. David was an entrepreneur with an interest in real estate. He fostered many partnerships while managing multiple projects simultaneously. His most enjoyable venture was with his long-time friend, Doug Truslow, Esq. with whom he purchased the Indigo Gun Club, which is now Wateree Range.
David enjoyed serving others, his community and the church. He was a long-time member of Northeast Presbyterian Church in Columbia, where he served as a Deacon, before recently joining First Baptist Church of Sumter. He was involved with numerous civic organizations. He became a Master Mason at Boyleston Lodge No.123 in 1988 and a Jamil Shriner in 2008. He served as a past Commander of the Flying Fezzes and he was a member of the Royal Order of Jesters, Court 177 for which he served as a two-term Director. He had such an appreciation for the love for one's fellow man as a brother.
In his personal life, David never met a stranger. He had a special ability to gather friends from all walks of life. He enjoyed hunting alongside his daughter and son-in-law, African safari adventures, traveling with friends and philanthropic groups, cheering on his Gamecocks at Williams-Brice, happy hour on his dock in Key West with the "Conch Crew", dinner parties with his Daniel Island neighbors, riding his Road King with his Harley Davidson buddies, driving his Porsche 911 ("twin-turbo!", he always had to add), grilling out on Thursday nights with his Indigo Club Dog House regulars, weekly dining with his "Lunch Bunch" brothers, monthly outings with the "Breakfast Boys", cracking Budweisers with his Front Porch friends and taking his granddog Rudder on boat rides at his lake house. To say David lived life to the fullest doesn't quite convey it his cup overfloweth. The world became a little less bright upon David's departure. His family invites all who knew him to a Celebration of Life that David, himself, planned before entering into the Lord's presence.
Romans 5:3-5
Please join us in honoring David Byrd on January 27th 2025 from 5-7PM at The Zone at Williams-Brice Stadium to share his love, laughter and legacy. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be sent to First Baptist Church of Sumter, 107 E. Liberty Street, Sumter, SC 29150.