Carl D. Byrd, the sixth of seven children born to the late John Oliver Byrd and Alice Beale Roane on March 7, 1956, in King and Queen County, departed this life on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at MCV/VCU Medical Center.

Carl was loved by many and he never knew a stranger. Amongst his favorite pastimes were eating "good" food, fishing, playing dominos, impersonating people, driving "Barney"('69 Barracuda) and being the life of the party with his infectious humor. He was known for his annual tenor rendition of Silent Night.

He attended King and Queen and Essex County Public Schools. He accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of New Liberty Baptist Church. He was bass player for the New Liberty Baptist Church Combined Choir and Mount Olive Baptist Church in Hustle, Virginia. Carl was a member of The Keys of Inspiration and The Hearts of Joy, bass player and singer.

He was joined in matrimony to his devoted wife, Viola (Connie) Byrd on October 1, 1974 and they shared 43 years of marriage. They renewed their vows in 2009. Carl was a successful business owner of C.D. Byrd, Inc. for 29 years and a constant contributor to the Essex County community.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alice Beale Roane and John Oliver Byrd and brother, Junius "Buster" Byrd (Mary).

He leaves cherished fond memories to his three daughters; Holly Byrd Miller (Floyd) of Henrico, Virginia, Anetra Byrd Johnson (Bryant) of Hanover, Virginia and Arlice Baker of Tappahannock, Virginia; one son, Phillip Baker of Tappahannock, Virginia; siblings, Parthenia "Arlene" Byrd of Tappahannock, Virginia, Pearl "Ardell" Taylor (Jessie) of Tappahannock, Virginia, John "Quincy" Byrd, Sr. (Joyce) of Tappahannock. Virginia, Alice "Regina" Baker (Charles)and Beverly "Bunny" Young of Hanover, Virginia; step-siblings, Trudell, Michael, Glenn, Stella, Everdean and Angelo; two aunts, Ida Pierce (Dunky) of Bowling Green, Virginia and Cora Byrd of King and Queen, Virginia; one grandson, Mykel Johnson of Hanover, Virginia; 3 brothers-in-law, Ralph Jones (Ella), Melvin Byrd, and Stanley Byrd; 3 sisters-in-law, Etta Wright, Ellen Byrd, and Mary Clarke; best friend, Jerry Nelson and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

A viewing will be held on Friday, May 26, 2017 from 6 to 8 p.m. at New Liberty Baptist Church, 33030 Sparta Road, Milford, Virginia 22514.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at Essex High School 833 High School Circle, Tappahannock, Virginia 22560, with a viewing one hour prior to the service.

Interment will follow in New Liberty Baptist Church Cemetery