Michael Byrd

1946 - 2026

Michael Byrd

Jun 24, 1946 - Jan 3, 2026

Michael Brady Byrd, age 79, passed away on January 3, 2026, at Trellis Hospice House in Winston-Salem, NC. Mike was born in Winston-Salem, the only son of Francis O. Byrd and Ruby Wagner Byrd. He was born into a very loving family and grew up mostly in the West End Blvd. area in the house his grandfather built, with extended family all around him. They were a very close-knit family and still are. Mike's dad passed away at an early age. His grandfather, Roby Wagner, stepped in to help his mother raise him and his sister, Judy. Roby was the quintessential patriarch of the family and a mentor for all to model. He instilled in Mike a strong work ethic and a love of animals, family, and friends. To know Mike was to love him. He made friends easily and kept them over decades, which is not an easy task in today's world. Mike started working at a very early age, assisting on a milk truck delivering milk to homes (with newspaper stuck in his boots to keep his feet warm). Like many young boys, he did lots of jobs to financially help his family. Mike's motivation led him to join IBM Corp. He retired 26 years later and was called back to work for another 6 years as a Business Partner. He then hung up his corporate hat. Mike loved the beach, the sights, smells, seafood, and especially beach music. The beach was his Happy Place. Mike and Vickie owned numerous properties on the Myrtle Beach beachfront, ending up at Maisons-sur-Mer. He served roles on all HOA boards and was VP or President of several, a born leader and collaborator. Mike and Vickie had 16 dogs and 5 cats over their 47 years of marriage…mostly 2 at a time and as many as 4-5 at a time. Their precious goldendoodle, Ginger, strives to keep looking for him to come home. Mike was preceded in death by his parents; favorite aunt, Susan Conrad; dear friends he loved so much, Tom Snider, Alvin Thomas, Georganna Armstrong, Ray Smith, and Warren Romaine. Surviving to honor his memory are his wife of 47 years, Vickie Mabe Byrd; sister, Judy Byrd Stratton (Jim); son, Michael Shane Byrd; daughter, Paige Daniel (William); 4 grandchildren, Madeleine Byrd Campe, Ainsley Byrd, Hollis Daniel, and Finn Daniel. Also, to mourn their patriarch, cousins, Melinda Beauchamp (Chris), and Tony Conrad. Surviving loyal and dear friends are Dan Armstrong, Steve Hale, RD Thomas, Rod Reish, John Cosgrove, Mike Hudak, Jim Hayes, and many more… (you know who you are).

At his request, there will not be any formal services. He will be laid to rest at Westlawn Gardens of Memory in Clemmons. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution in his name to: Forsyth Humane Society, 4881 Country Club Rd., Winston-Salem, NC 27104, or Trellis Supportive Care, 101 Hospice Lane, Winston-Salem, NC 27103.

Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel

3315 Silas Creek Pkwy, Winston-Salem, NC 27103