Obituaries 06-25-26

THOMAS BYRD

July 20, 1938-June 18, 2026

Funeral services for Thomas Clyde Byrd,87, of Bude, were conducted on 
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 from Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church.

Interment followed at the Natchez National Cemetery.

Affectionately known as "T-Byrd," he was born on July 20, 1938 in the 
Kirby Community to Fairbanks Byrd and Hattie Mae Anderson Byrd. He was 
the eighth of nine children.

He honorably served his country in the United States Army. He was an 
avid fisherman and hunter and was a very well-known bowler, receiving 
numerous awards, including an induction to the Hall of Fame at River 
City Bowl. He played the sport for more than 30 years.

Anytime you mentioned food, Byrd was there. He was the original "foodie" 
before anyone ever heard the term. He could also cook as well as he ate. 
He was a beloved member of the Marshall Funeral Home family and will be 
greatly missed.

He died on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Steele Byrd; four daughters and a 
son-in-law, Carolyn Cole, Cassandra Hauer, Terri Byrd and Melvin Brown 
and Dinelle Watson; four sons and their respective spouses, Kirk Moore, 
Thomas Byrd, Jr., Redgie and Shane Cameron and George and Stephanie 
Watson; a sister, Claudia B. Pickett; his godchildren, Brooklyn Marshall 
and Colton; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, 
nephews and other relatives and friends.

Marshall Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.