William Michael "Mike" Byrd

A memorial service for William Michael “Mike” Byrd, 76, will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Dr., Bossier City, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service. Officiating the service will be Claire Pennington.

William Michael Byrd was born on June 16, 1947 to William Clarence Byrd and Thelma Beene Irwin Byrd in Prince George County, Virginia and passed away on Sunday, February 25, 2024, after a prolonged battle with multiple complicated health conditions. Mike, as many of his friends called him, was a prominent local businessman who was also very actively involved in community affairs. These are people from all walks of life who will miss Mike as he was a particularly patient, generous, kind individual who believed in treating all whom he met with honesty and fairness.

Mike graduated from Bossier High School in 1965 and with two friends, joined the United States Marine Corps, where he served his country with distinction during the Vietnam War. When he separated from the Marine Corps, he enrolled in and attended Louisiana State University in Shreveport, Louisiana for two years. He completed his education and graduated from Northwestern State University in 1973 and passed his CPA exam in 1976. It was during this time he met, courted, and married Victoria Mellinger and they settled in Shreveport.

Mike began his career as an accountant with Peat, Marwick & Co. He sought to expand his experience as an accountant and worked as the chief business partner at Stan’s Record Shops when it was located at the head of Texas Street in Shreveport. While working at Stan’s, Mike also co-owned Balardi’s Pizza on Cross Lake which was eventually sold and later became Italian Gardens Restaurant. He moved from there to work as the CFO at McConathy Oil & Gas Company where he was actively involved in the day-to-day operation of the oil field business. Mike was offered a new challenging opportunity with Shreve Land where he was employed for a brief period of time. He then became the CEO of Orthopedic Specialists of Shreveport, overseeing the growth of the company and expansion into a new medical office facility before leaving to pursue his dream of owning his own company.

Mike entered a business relationship known as Personnel Management, Inc. (PMI) that was founded in 1989 by Mark A. Waniewski, CEO, and William M. “Mike” Byrd, CFO, and captained that ship for 29 years until he retired due to significant health problems occurring in August of 2017. Mike spent a great deal of time away from his professional life providing guidance, support, and assistance to the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission and Lakeview United Methodist Church.

Mike was an active sportsman enjoying fishing and sailing, but especially golf. He was an active member of a darts team as well as serving as an officer in the local darts organization. He was an avid reader fond of the works of Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Winston Churchill, and the Roosevelts. His personal bookshelves are full of a variety of authors from whom he could readily quote a witty quip, argue a political point, or discuss world history and wars, he was a huge admirer of the great minds of historical significance. During his retirement, Mike enjoyed traveling, golfing, and entertaining friends at his home in Benton, Louisiana.

Mike’s love for music was a defining aspect of his life. He not only enjoyed listening to various genres but also found immense joy in creating his own melodies. His creative spirit and musical talents brought light and harmony to those around him. Mike’s life was a harmonious composition of cherished moments and meaningful connections.

Mike is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Vicky Byrd; son, John Michael Byrd; sister, Martha McDaniel and husband, Truly and many nieces and nephews.

The family suggests memorials may be made to the Shreveport-Bossier Rescue Mission, 901 McNeil St., Shreveport, Louisiana 71101.