James Byrd

Smithfield, NC:  Mr. James Melvin Byrd, age 65,  of  2744 Packing Plant Rd.  died Wednesday at Johnston Medical Center in Smithfield.  Funeral Services will be Friday at 2:00PM at the Rose & Graham Funeral Chapel in Four Oaks. Officiating will be Rev. Billy Cashwell. Burial will follow in Hills of the Neuse Memory Gardens, Smithfield. Mr. Byrd was born June 12, 1948 in Johnston County to the late Melvin and Pauline Ferrell Byrd.  He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Angela Barefoot. Mr. Byrd was a school bus shop foreman with Johnston County Public Schools. Surviving are Wife of 28 years, Debra Barbour Byrd of Smithfield; Children and Spouses, James Robert Byrd of Four Oaks, Douglas Byrd and wife, Melissa of Smithfield, Brandy Spearman and husband, Chris of Clinton; Michelle Beasley of Benson, Kimberly Young and husband, Steven of Benson; Twelve Grandchildren; Four Great Grandchildren; Brother & Sister-In-Law Willard & Jeanette Byrd of Smithfield; Sister, Glenda Blackmon of Wilmington; Several Nieces and Nephews; Special Pet, Coco. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM to 1:30PM prior to the service.