William "Billy" Hersey Byrd, 87, passed away November 8, 2023.  He was born in Nansemond County, VA the son of the late William Jordan Byrd and Virginia Rountree Byrd.  He was predeceased by his first wife, Barbara O. Byrd; sister, Barbara Whitehurst Jordan, and nephew, Mitchell Whitehurst.  Billy served in the Virginia Army National Guard.  He later went on to work and then retired as the Assistant Fire Chief for the Suffolk Fire Department.  Billy was a lifetime member of Bethlehem Christian Church and the Joyce Ann Harrell Sunday School Class.  He was a Deacon and served on numerous boards and committees.  He was also a member of the Bethlehem Ruritan Club and a charter member of the Nansemond Suffolk Rescue Squad.   He was a past member of the Triangle Hunt Club and most recently the David Ridley Hunt Club.

Billy is survived by his wife, Charlene Russell Byrd; daughter, Marsha B. Geary; son and daughter-in-law, Bradford L. Byrd (Susie); grandchildren, Kristy Brown (Craig), Heather Abbott (Billy), Jennifer Byrd, Chelsea Deets (Aaron), and Abby Geary; niece and nephews, Jenell Miller, Mike Whitehurst, Wayne Whitehurst (Claire), and Lee Evans; and sister-in-law, Nell Evans.

A funeral service will be held Monday, November 13, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Bethlehem Christian Church with Rev. Rob Slingluff and Rev. Lafayette "Mugsy" Wilkins officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  Friends may join the family for a time of visitation Sunday from 5-6 p.m. at Parr Funeral Home & Crematory or other times at the residence of Brad and Susie Byrd.  Memorial donations may be made to Bethlehem Christian Church or a charity of your choice.  Condolences may be registered online at www.parrfuneralhome.com.