James E. Byrd

James E. “Red” Byrd was born in Darlington County on March 28, 1933, to Dan Evander and Victoria Lincoln Byrd. He was raised on a Farm in Darlington County where his parents were sharecroppers. He was the 11th of 12 children. He was Baptized at New Hopewell Baptist Church at a young age and understood strength and confidence by Faith and God’s Grace to help him to fulfill his “calling” to lead and to bring others along with him. Mr. Byrd graduated from Rosenwald High in Society Hill, SC.

After graduating from high school, Mr. Byrd was drafted into the US Army in 1953. Upon his time in the Army, he was recognized as “Solider of the Month”. This was significant at this time due to being a recent integrated battalion comprised of approximately 15% African Americans in 1954. At this time, it was extremely difficult for African American Soldiers to receive any recognition. After completing his time with the military, Mr. Byrd enrolled at Denmark Technical College in Denmark, S.C. He received a degree as a Radio and Television Technician in 1958. After college, Mr. Byrd did an apprenticeship in Abbeville, SC which helped him to realize that he not only had skills as a technician but as a businessman as well. He later would move to Florence, SC to begin his own business and serve the community. Mr. Byrd became the founder and President of Byrd’s TV. He started his business in 1960. His establishment has been functioning for approximately 65 years.

Mr. Byrd became a member of Trinity Baptist Church in 1960 where he served as a Trustee and a Deacon for many years.

Mr. Byrd was affiliated with numerous Civic and Community organizations and received numerous awards. He was an advocate supporter for Civil Rights and equality for all, especially with employment and educational opportunities. He was involved with the following organizations throughout the years: Lifetime member with NAACP and served as an Executive on the Board of Directors; Board of Trinity Baptist Church Credit Union; Board of Directors with the City of Commerce of Florence; The United Way; SC American Legion - Post 228; Florence Boys and Girls Club; two-term elected member with Florence District One School Board; Florence Rotary Club; and Past President of Denmark Technical College National Alumni Association and Local Chapters. His awards included: Top National Salesman Award for Curtis Mathis TVs; Presidential Citation Award for Outstanding Service with Dr. Luns Richardson Scholarship Fund; Recognition from Morris College and Denmark Technical College for his dedication to Higher education; Who’s Who in America Small Business Executive (1993); Denmark Technical College Professional Citation Award (1994); National Council Of Negro Women Community Award (1996); National Association for Equal Opportunity for Higher Education; Sponsorship Award by City of Florence Recreation Department (1999); and an Outstanding Achievement Award for Small Minority Business by SC State University School of Business.

Mr. Byrd was very Proud to support integrating Florence Recreation Departments and City League Teams by supporting Minority basketball teams, baseball teams (Florence Pee Dee Little League for 39 years) and bowling leagues. He also helped organize the “Back-A-Youth” Program, helping to assist hundreds of high school and college students with summer jobs. Unknowingly to many, Mr. Byrd was chosen by his constituents to represent Small Businesses across the country by testifying before the United States House Representatives on Rental Purchase Legislation in May 2021 in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Byrd was a “Drum Major” for Justice and Equality, a loving husband and Father, and true Patriarch of the Byrd Family. He enjoyed Politics, playing checkers, watching all sports, loved telling jokes and living life to the fullest.

Mr. Byrd was preceded him in death by five brothers, Milton Byrd, Otis Byrd, Sylvester Byrd, Collin Byrd and Floyd Byrd and five sisters, Ola Mae Allen, Essie Byrd, Harriett Lee Lewis, Cleo Gibbs and Jessie Clark.

Left to cherish his memories are his loving wife for 67 years, Evelyn Byrd; four children, Janet Daniel of Florence, SC, Sheila Scott (Timothy) of Lake Mary, FL, Sharlene Byrd-Childs (Marcus) of Charlotte, NC, Brenda White of Philadelphia, PA.; special loved-one, Sidney Swinney of Baltimore, MD; seven grandchildren, Derrick Daniel (Tamika), Charmaine Jones, Christopher Scott, Kimberly Scott, Jazmyne Childs, Marcus E. Childs, and Delisa Jones; seven great-grands; three great-great grands; one loving sister, Elma (late Thomas) Davis of Columbia, SC; and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, close friends and business partners.

Please keep the family of James Evander Byrd in your thoughts and prayers.