David Lamont Byrd, Sr.

David Lamont Byrd, Sr., 67, of Clayton, NC, formerly of Weirton, died at the Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC on Sunday, August 11, 2013. David was born February 22, 1946 in Steubenville, Ohio, the son of the late William Marcus and Evelyn Motley Byrd. He was also preceded in death by his wife of 24 years, Karen J. Byrd and a sister, Wilma Dee Byrd. David graduated from Weir High School in 1964, where for two consecutive years he held the title of WV State Wrestling Champion in his weight class. He attended Marshall University before enlisting in the US Air Force on August 12, 1966. He served as a Security Policeman, and was assigned to the Honor Guard while serving in Washington DC. Following his first enlistment, he joined the Secret Service and served in the Executive Protective branch. He later rejoined the Air Force and retired in 1992 as a Master Sergeant with 25 years combined service. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War. David is survived by his son David Byrd, Jr. and his wife, Mandy of Weirton; granddaughter, Cheyenne Byrd of Weirton; two sisters, Kathryn Parrish of Minnesota and Felicia Byrd of North Carolina; two brothers, Robert Byrd of Weirton and Anthony Byrd of Ohio; and his companion and caregiver Jackie Bennett of North Carolina. Friends will be received Thursday from 4-7 PM at the Greco-Hertnick Funeral Home, 3219 Main Street, Weirton. Additional visitation will be held Friday from 10 AM until the 11 AM funeral service at the Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Weirton. Interment will be in the Three Springs Cemetery, Weirton with military rites provided by the American Legion Honor Guard. Donations in David's memory should be made to any of the various Veteran's organizations.