Mr. Byrd was brought to the CCC Camp in Monticello in the mid 1930's and has lived here ever since. He was a retired salesman and distributor for Wonder Snack Foods with 25 years of service and a member of the Pauline Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Byrd served on the Monticello City Council for 22 years, was an avid hunter and fisherman, and was an avid Monticello Billie supporter where he received the Billie Booster of the Year award. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Martha Dodson Byrd; his daughter, Barbara Haisty; two brothers and two sisters.
Survivors include his wife, Geneva Burton Byrd of Monticello; two sons, Don Byrd of Clarksville and Jerry Akin of Monticello; one daughter, Evelyn Jeffers of Hampton; one sister, Velma Watkins of Dallas, TX; seven grandchildren, Vicki Tiner, LeAnne Colvin, Jon Byrd, Laura Strickland, Jason Jeffers, Melissa Johnston and Carrie Williams; eight great grandchildren, Ashley Tiner, Hanna Colvin, Katie & Chloe Strickland, Ella Williams and Andrew, Anna Kay & Brooks Johnston; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family will be gathering at the home of Jerry and Belinda Akin at 1967 Hwy. 35 West.
Condolences(33)
Don Byrd
, AR Wednesday, December 1, 2010 My sister Evelyn and I thank each and everyone of you for your expressions of sorrow. Of course, Dad was special to us, and it is very gratifying to read and hear the really nice things you have all conveyed to us. Best of luck to all and have a great Christmas season. Don and EvelynRuth Hunter
Wilmar, AR Saturday, November 20, 2010 To all of the Byrd family,I am sorry to learn of Mr. Benson's death. Please accept my condolences to you and your family for your loss. He was such a nice and kind person. Always had a smile for everyone..
Love to all,
Ruth
Kim and David Hoffman
Conway, AR Friday, November 19, 2010 We send our deepest sympathy to the family. You are all in our prayers. With love, Kim and David HoffmanKarenPirtle Moellenberndt
Warren, AR Friday, November 19, 2010 I remember the first time me and my husband met Mr. Byrd. He was checking on the roses at the Guest House in Monticello. My Mom, Ms. Elizabeth Pirtle had told me that he took care of the flowers and would help to keep the humming bird feeders filled. He seemed like a very nice man. I know his family will miss him greatly. I'm he had many friends. May God Bless the Byrd Family and his extended family as well as his friends.Theresa Byrd
El Paso, TX Friday, November 19, 2010 Uncle Benson was my favorite uncle. I have so many memories of him--riding in his delivery truck, going to the lake, getting lots of snacks from him! I was so fond of him and Aunt Geneva. I'll miss him, but I know he is with my mom and dad now!Lorin McLoud
Warren, AR Friday, November 19, 2010 Sorry for your loss Don.Raymond & Faye Stewart
Arkadelphia, AR Friday, November 19, 2010 We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Mr. Byrd. I grew up down the road from the Byrd's and Don was my best buddy. I spent a lot of hours at their house. I remember Evelyn when Don and I picked on her.Don and Linda stood with Faye and I when we married and I stood with him and Linda as his best man when they married.
Mr. Byrd and his first wife(Don's Mother) were just like a second set of parents to me.
Our prayers and thoughts to all the family especially during this time of loss.
Carol Gardner and family
Dallas, TX Friday, November 19, 2010 Don & Evelyn and family, We are grieving the loss of Uncle Benson,along with you, and know that our family has lost a wonderrful brother and uncle. I have nothing but good memories of him, and will always remember how fun loving and gentle he was. His was a life well lived, and is an inspiration to us all.With love from Aunt Velma, Gary, Carol and families.
Josh & Angie Frost
Monticello, AR Friday, November 19, 2010 I was so crushed to hear of Mr. Benson's passing. What a truly wonderful man. I always enjoyed visiting with him everytime I saw him. He will surely be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family during this time of great loss.Shirley Easley
Fayetteville, AR Friday, November 19, 2010 I am sorry for the loss of your father and I pray God will give the family peace in the days ahead.Chuck Hammock
Smackover, AR Friday, November 19, 2010 Mrs. Byrd, Don, Jerry,Belinda,I was sad to hear about Mr. Byrd. You are in my thoughts.
Chuck
Dennis and Becky Burton
Fort Smith, AR Thursday, November 18, 2010 We loved Uncle Benson, and have so many fond memories of him. He was a kind and gentle man and will be greatly missed. We are so sorry for your loss.Susan Dodson Hensley
Monticello, AR Thursday, November 18, 2010 I am sorry for your loss. I will continue to pray for God's grace during this time. God Bless and Keep you all!Claude and Faye Dodson Beedle
Monticello, AR Thursday, November 18, 2010 Uncle Benson was a wonderful man. I was always proud to call him my uncle. He showed love to our family and he will be missed.Ron Chesser
Hot Springs, AR Thursday, November 18, 2010 Don and Jerry I am so sorry about your loss. Your Dad always had a smile and a welcome handshake. I got to visit with him at the assisted living place before my mother died. My prayers and thoughts are with you.Lynn Forrest Sites
North Little Rock, AR Thursday, November 18, 2010 Geneva, Don and Familly,I am so sorry to hear of loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you during this time of sadness. I've always thought of Benson as a kind, gentle man and have fond memories of visiting when I was young. My heart goes out to each and every one of you.
Hershel Gober
Palm Coast, FL Thursday, November 18, 2010 Benson was one of the finest people I have ever known. I first met him when I worked in my brother Wade's grocery store when I was in high school. Over the years I had numerous contacts with him and he was always the gentle human being that we should all aspire to be.Billy George and Jean West
Monticello, AR Thursday, November 18, 2010 To the family: Jean and I would like to express our sincere concerns during this time of sadness and sorrow in the passing of Mr. Benson. Our prayers go out to each and every one of you during this time. May God Grant a double portion of His Grace to be with you during this trying time. God Bless and Keep you.Doug & Beth Langdon
Warren, AR Thursday, November 18, 2010 So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mr. Benson was a sweet and kind man.Vicky-Colvert Haisty
Bearden, AR Thursday, November 18, 2010 When dark clouds hide the sun, the sun continues shining. Under dark clouds of grief, Christ is sometimes concealed, but when storms pass, His face is gloriously revealed. When the light of God breaks through on us and His great glory shines, we learn dark clouds of grief are gold and silver lined. (Perry Tanksley, poet). Sending Christian love and prayers during your season of sorrow for Mr. Benson was truly one of the finest Christian men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. I was blessed to have been part of his family through his son-in law, Barry Haisty, the best man I have ever known or will ever know this side of heaven.Elaine Connard
monticello, AR Thursday, November 18, 2010 My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. He was a kind and loving man and I will miss seeing him visiting with Mrs. Byrd at the nursing home.Debbie Davis
Springdale, AR Thursday, November 18, 2010 Our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time.Janice McAllister
Hot Springs Village, AR Thursday, November 18, 2010 May God give you peace and comfort in the loss of your dad, husband, grandfather and friend. I have great memories of him and being with each of you. With love and sympathy, Janice Gladden McAllisterpamelashaw
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 17, 2010 it was so shocking to hear of a sweet man dying my thougths are with the familyVirginia Donaldson Kelley
Hanburg, AR Wednesday, November 17, 2010 Sorry for your lossEd Garrison
Greenbrier, AR Wednesday, November 17, 2010 Coach Byrd and Family, Please know that you guys are in our prayers during this time. May the Lord give you strength and comfort.Sincerely,
Ed Garrison
Albert Beaty
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 17, 2010 Praying for you and your family during your loss.Randy & Holly Montgomery
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 17, 2010 So sorry to hear of your loss. We are praying for your family.Will & Susan Thomasson
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 17, 2010 Our prayers are with your family. We have such sweet memories of our special neighbors for so many years. Mr. Byrd was a very special man and he will be truly missed.Jody Gladden
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 17, 2010 Billy & I are praying for your family. Sorry to hear of your loss.Tommie Moyers
Crosssett, AR Wednesday, November 17, 2010 Dear Ms. Geneva and family,Our prayers and thoughts are with you during this time of loss. Mr. Benson was such a fine person. My mom, sister and I had a good visit with him at City Drug just the other day. He was so excited. His 94th birthday was the next day.
May God hold each of you close and give you the strength and comfort you need to get through the days to come without your loved one.
Take care,
Tommie Moyers
Clara Cater
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 17, 2010 We will miss his warm smile. It was an honor to take care of Mr. Byrd these last few years of his life. There aren`t many left like him. Our hearts go out to his family and our prayers are with them. We will always remember Mr. ByrdJudge & Mrs. Damon Lampkin
Monticello, AR Wednesday, November 17, 2010 What a dear gentle man! A member of the Greatest Generation! He was a great friend who will be greatly missed! My heart goes out to all the family and especially rs. Geneva!Sheilla