On Saturday, February 4, 2017 the angels lifted their arms to carry Bernard Gordon Byrd home to be with the Lord. Bernard was born March 4, 1950 to the late James Wendell Byrd, Sr. and Virgie Mae Byrd.

Bernard attended the public schools in Caroline County and graduated from Union High School in 1968. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined Jerusalem Baptist Church, in Sparta, Virginia.

Bernard served his country in the United States Army from 1970 to 1976. After an honorable discharge from the Army. He returned home and settled in Silver Springs, Maryland. He was an employee with Shoppers Food Warehouse for 10 years. Bernard later began a career working on the railways and retired from River City Railroad Company in Baltimore, Maryland in 2006. After his retirement Bernard returned home to Bowling Green, Virginia.

To his family, Bernard was a loving father, brother and uncle. To other relatives, friends and all who knew him he was a heart full of love. He was never too busy or too tired to lend a helping hand, share words of wisdom and a big friendly smile.

Bernard enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. He was a die-hard Baltimore Ravens fan, enjoyed oldie but goodies music and was a great hand dancer as he often displayed at family functions. He was an avid fisherman and often had fishing stories that were bigger than the catch.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents and brother, James Wendell Byrd, Jr.

He leaves to cherish his fond memories one daughter, Dr. Keena S. Byrd of Tempe, Arizona; three brothers, Gene U. Byrd ( Bernice) of Mitchellville, Maryland, Dennis O. Byrd of Bowling Green, Virginia and Larry K. Byrd (Robin) of Mitchellville, Maryland; three sisters, Doris B. Harvey of King William, Virginia, Betty M. Byrd (Roy)of Sperryville, Virginia and Kathy B. Harmon (David) of Bowie, Maryland; two aunts, Mary Byrd of Ruther Glen, Virginia and Carrie Rollins of Milford, Virginia to whom he was affectionately known as "Beans and Biscuits"; three little girls that stole his heart, Madison Edwards, Adela Greene and Kennedy Davis aka "The Cookie Jar Girls"; a loving niece, Kendra Evans whom was like a daughter to him and devoted time in caring for him; three special friends, Shirley Blake, Debbie Conliffe and Kim Thompson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A viewing will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2017 at C.W. Edwards Funeral Home, 16476 Richmond Turnpike, Bowling Green, Virginia 22427 and one hour prior to the service on Saturday. A Celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at St. Stephens Baptist Church 29436 Sparta Road, Milford, Virginia 22514. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to McGuire Research Institute VAMC Service, 1201 Broad Rock Blvd, Richmond, Virginia 23249, Dr. Drew Moghanaki Cancer Research in memory of Bernard G. Byrd.