Robert Earl Byrd

Robert Earl Byrd, 90, of Statesville, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the Gordon Hospice House.

Robert was born December 17, 1934, in Union Mills, to the late Will Earl Byrd and Velma Koon Byrd. He served in the United States Navy in aviation electronics, which enabled him to travel extensively. He was member of Western Avenue Baptist Church for 67 years, where he served in various positions including: Sunday School teacher, deacon/deacon emeritus, Sunday School superintendent, grief share leader, Pastor Search committee, Building Chairman and more. He was also a member of The Gideons International.

He spent most of his career in corporate construction, overseeing projects such as the Appalachian State University Music Hall, churches, prisons, etc.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his son, Robert Mark Byrd, his brother, James Burton Byrd, sister, Georgia Amos, stepbrother, Timothy Byrd and an infant sister.

Those left to cherish his memory are his beloved wife of 72 years, Shirley Ann Ward Byrd; his daughter, Susan Long (William) of Bermuda Run, NC; granddaughters, Gretchen Guy (William) and Bobbie Garland (Cody); great-grandchildren, Grace, Faith and Gabriel Guy and Charlie and Everett Garland; sister-in-law, Peggy Axley, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 12:30 pm on Thursday, December 18 at Western Avenue Baptist Church with Dr. Jeff Spry officiating. Burial will follow at Iredell Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to: Equipping With Truth, c/o Rusty McLelland, 119 W. Broad Street, Statesville, NC 28677, or Western Avenue Baptist Church, 1206 Museum Road, Statesville, NC 28625, or Gordon Hospice House, 2341 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625, or The Gideons International, PO Box 140800, Nashville, TN 37214

Arrangements for Mr. Byrd are in the care of Troutman Funeral Home.