Watson Earl Byrd

North Augusta, SC—Funeral Services for Mr. Watson Earl Byrd, 91, of Courtney Drive, North Augusta, SC, who entered into rest January 4, 2014, will be conducted Wednesday morning at 10:30 from the First Baptist Church of North Augusta. Rev. Roy Kiser officiating. Interment in Pineview Memorial Park with Veterans Honors and Masonic Rites. Mr. Byrd was a native of Gracewood, Georgia, having made North Augusta his home for the past 66 years. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of North Augusta and the Stan Bryant Sunday School Class. Mr. Byrd was a US Army Air Corps Veteran of World War II, retired owner of W. E. Byrd Construction Company, a member of the Acacia Masonic Lodge #315 AFM, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, a member of the American Legion Jesse C. Lynch Memorial Post #71 and the Hephzibah Agricultural Club. He had served two terms as President of the Aiken Home Builders Association, was a former President of the Augusta Home Builders Association and was a Life Director of the National Association of Home Builders. Mr. Byrd was the husband of the late Helen Matthews Byrd. Survivors include a son, Lanny Byrd, North Augusta; two daughters and their husbands, Donna and John Sherman, North Augusta and Beverly and Dean Welch, Murrels Inlet, South Carolina; nine grandchildren, John Sherman, III, Matt Sherman, Luke Sherman, Joy Bruder, Ashley Melton, Adam Welch, Amy Wates, Courtney Simmons and Gracelyn Byrd; ten great-grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers will be members of the Acacia Masonic Lodge #315 AFM and the American Legion Jesse C. Lynch Memorial Post #71. Active Pallbearers will be Key Kernaghan, Trey Kernaghan, Jimmy Byrd, Mike Byrd, Randy Mosley and Bill Scott. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday evening from 5 until 7. The family will be at the residence of Donna and John Sherman, 1843 Courtney Drive, North Augusta, SC. Memorials may be made to the American Legion Jesse C. Lynch Memorial Post #71 Building Fund, PO Box 6036, North Augusta, SC 29861. The family expresses appreciation to Mr. Byrd’s caregivers for their devotion and compassionate care. Posey Funeral Directors of North Augusta in charge of arrangements (803-278-1181). Visit the registry online at www.poseycares.com

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Watson Earl Byrd

May 7, 1922 - January 4, 2014