KINGSPORT -- James Louis Byrd, of Kingsport, passed away on Sunday at Asbury Place.
Mr. Byrd was a native of Greene County.
He was a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Navy and retired as a captain.
After retiring from the Navy, Mr. Byrd taught in the Greene County School System. Upon his retirement from teaching, he moved to Kingsport to be closer to his children and grandchildren.
He was a member of First Broad Street United Methodist Church for more than 20 years.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 52 years, Christine Byrd; his mother, Kittie Mae Byrd, and his sister, Louise Hall.
He is survived by his daughter: Lisa Driggers and husband, John, of Kingsport; his son: Stephen Byrd and wife, Nancy, of Kingsport; two grandchildren: Chris Byrd and wife, Miranda, of Rochester, N.Y., and David Byrd and wife, Charli, of Johnson City; and two great-grandchildren, Levi and Henry Byrd of Rochester, N.Y.
Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday in the J. Wayne Hamilton Memorial Chapel of Oak Hill Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow with Pastor Micky Rainwater officiating.
A military entombment service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday in Oak Hill Memorial Park, Oak Hill Mausoleum IV.
Military rites will be accorded by American Legion Hammond Post No. 3 and Gate City Post No. 265.
Memorial contributions may be made to First Broad Street UM Church.
