Today god walked this earth and selected a steadfast pillar for his kingdom. On Jan 11, 2018 at approximately 0940 in the morning Samuel Lassiter Byrd Jr. received his final call for duty in the gardens of heaven. He leaves behind his wife Kay Byrd the “love of his life” for 36 years, son Samuel Jay Byrd and his wife Rose Marie Byrd, daughters Deena Lynn Cordero and husband Tony Cordero, Karen Patricia Ward and her husband Ryan Ward, step-son Frederick Henry Bew Jr., step-daughter Kathy Bew Jones. Sam also leaves behind 9 grandchildren, Abigail Elizabeth Timmons and husband Jeff, Korrine Alline Johnson and husband Mike, Haili Jean Bennett and husband Joshua, Sarah D. Nicholas and husband Devin, Greg Williams, Danielle Cordero, Katrina B. Mclane and husband Josh, Jasmine R. Ward and the “apple of his eye” Oscar Dennis Jones. Additionally, he left behind 8 great grandchildren, Liam J. Timmons, Lillian A. Johnson, Branson Johnson, Paislee P. Bennett, Brantley J. Bennett, Abel James Mclane, Krista Nicholas and Carson Nicholas.

Sam or Sonny was the oldest of 6 children of Samuel Lassiter Byrd Sr. and Eudora Maebelle Ward Byrd of Suffolk. He is survived by a brother Gerald H. Byrd, sisters Nancy Victoria Byrd Wiggins, Pamela Jean Byrd and is preceded in death by sister Judith Paige Byrd Wiggins and brother James Douglas Byrd.

Sam’s life journey started out meager in the city of Suffolk. He carried groceries in his bicycle basket for Daily’s Supermarket and worked at Leggett’s Seafood before joining the National Guard and United States Air Force. He was Chief of Security at Obici Memorial and Chippingham Hospital and finally culminated as Risk Manager for Sentara Leigh and Bayside Memorial Hospitals. His 24-year career in the United States Air Force took him around the world to include Alaska and Greenland and many states within the USA. The formula to his successes in life can be attributed to his strong character, compassion, determination, pride, attention to detail and selflessness. These attributes earned him numerous accolades, awards, positions, and promotions in his military career to include being named Air Force Recruiter of the Year, twice, as well as numerous medals for outstanding performance. His subordinates honored him as a leader by saying he was hard but fair. This statement would prove true throughout his life.

Sam then took this skill set into the civilian sector. Here he continued to excel as a leader among leaders in his local community. His flawless performance and vast knowledge of litigation processes earned him a stellar career as Risk Manager at Sentara Leigh and Bayside Memorial where he garnered the admiration of his corporate office and peers.

Upon retiring Sam focused on traveling, fishing, gardening and spending time with his family at the beach. His joy for reading throughout his lifetime led him to complete over 1000+ books. This could be one of the major contributors to him being so well versed and knowledgeable on so many topics. He passed on this love to his grandson “apple of his eye” Oscar in hopes that he would continue to expand his knowledge and share his life’s successes.

Sam has touched so many lives in his lifetime. His innate ability to pass on his strong morals, above reproach character, determination, resolve, compassion, and selflessness has earned him a special spot in god’s kingdom. With heavy hearts and boundless emptiness, we relinquish Sam to your care. Accept this selfless servant, loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, friend, and community pillar into your kingdom with open arms. We hold his memories in our hearts. His life lessons and values will continue to live on through us all. It’s time to Lay down your working tools, rest easy, Sam, Pop, Poppa, Daddy, brother, granddaddy, great granddaddy and friend your time on earth is done. Until we meet again so long!

A funeral service will be conducted on January 18, 2017 at 11 AM in Trinity United Methodist Church, 201 Cedar Street, Smithfield VA 23430. The family will receive friends 1 hour prior at the church. Burial with military honors will follow at Albert G. Horton Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. A gathering for friends and family will be held at the home of Tony and Deena Cordero 1004 Pitchkettle Farm Lane Suffolk Va. 23434 from 3-5pm immediately following the burial. R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family. Condolences can be offered to the family at RWBakerFH.com.