Obituary: George Byrd
May 8, 1919- October 28, 2022
Snow Hill- Having lived a long and fruitful life, George Allen Byrd, Jr. passed away on October 28, 2022, at the age of 103. George was born in Lenoir County to the late George Allen Byrd, Sr. and Alice Fields Byrd on May 8, 1919. In addition to his parents, George was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Sugg Byrd; brothers, Jennings, Rudolph, Kenneth, and Carlton Byrd; and sisters, Vera Baker, Frances Harrison, and Evelyn Sugg.
With an incomparable sense of patriotism, George proudly served his country in the United States Army. He was registered for draft in 1940 and enlisted in the Army on July 28, 1944 and was stationed at Fort Bragg, being tasked as a heavy weapons crewman. Private First Class, Headquarters Company 3rd Infantry (Old Guard), received an honorable discharge from the US Army on June 23, 1946. Decorations and citations included the EAMEService Medal, Good Conduct Medal, WWII Victory Medal, and Occupation Ribbon.
Having been raised “on the land” with his siblings, George was a farmer at heart. His crops supported his family, but he also enjoyed maintaining a large vegetable garden throughout his life. No one could make fig preserves like his. If he was not “digging in the dirt”, George loved to be on or near the water. Fishing, boating, and skiing were only a few of his favorite pastimes. He even, at the dismay of his wife, taught their daughter to water ski when she was only five years old.
George was a member of the Wheat Swamp Ruritan Club, serving as treasurer, vice-president, and president, as well as being named Wheat Swamp Ruritan of the Year and Wheat Swamp Ruritan Club’s Citizen of the Year. He was also a lifetime member of the Kinston Power Squadron, serving as Power Squadron Commander and receiving the Tony Carey Award twice. A member of the Masons, George was proud to sing in a barbershop-style quartet within the organization, winning competitions locally and out of state. George worked tirelessly to assist in creating the North Lenoir Water Corporation to supply Institute and nearby areas. He was a long-standing member of Gordon Street Christian Church.
Marrying his beautiful bride on February 27, 1941, George and Dorothy began building their life together. Their daughter, “Bunny”, made their family complete. George was a wonderful provider for his family and a fine Christian gentleman. He loved and cared for his family and friends, and never shied away from an opportunity to help someone in need.
A service of love and remembrance will be held by the graveside at Pinelawn Memorial Park on Wednesday, November 2, 2022, at 3 p.m., with Pastor Doug Stokes officiating and the rendering of military honors.
George is survived by his daughter, LaJune “Bunny” Byrd Hill; grandsons, Roy Frank “Frankie” Hill, Jr. (Mary-Kathryn) and Tony Allen Hill; great-grandchildren, Barbara “Maysie” Hill, George Marshall Hill, Roy Frank “Trey” Hill, III (Lauren), and Zachary Allen Hill (Alex); great, great-grandchildren, Ava and Remi Hill; and sister, Alice Cerasia; as well as many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in George’s memory may be made to Gordon Street Christian Church, 118 E. Gordon Street, Kinston, NC 28501. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rousefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rouse Funeral Home, La Grange.
