Mr. Everette Watson Byrd from Elkin, N.C., passed away, October 10, 2014 at Forsyth Medical Center. Everette was born October 30, 1920 to Hilary and Sallie Byrd. He was a loving husband, father, grand- father and great-grand father. He grew up in the Benham community on a farm with seven brothers, Dewey, Ernest, Otis, Robert, Marvin, Jvan and Walter; three sisters, Susan, Lois and Joyce. Everette married Etta Mathis on April 22, 1941 and they continued to live in the Benham community to make their home farming. Everette worked at Chatham Mfg. Co. as a loom fixer for 43 years. Everette and Etta always took pride and worked to maintain their home to be a neat and well maintained beautiful home place. They were blessed with two sons, Jerry and Larry and a daughter Mary. While growing up and all of his adult life went to Benham Baptist Church to serve the Lord. He served on several committees, he was an ordained Deacon and Trustee. He would help the men to work at the church cemetery and grounds to be a beautiful church for the community. Mr. Byrd was blessed to become a long time resident of the Benham community. He moved from his farm to a smaller house and yard in Elkin July 2005. In July, 2012 he moved to Vienna Village Assisted Living in Lewisville. Everette was a veteran of the US Army during WWII while serving in Europe from 1944 until 1946. Mr. Byrd received the EAME service medal with one bronze service star, good conduct medal and WWII victory medal. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by all seven brothers and two of his sisters; Etta, his wife, passed away May 2, 1993 after 52 years of marriage. Survivors include: his children, Jerry, Larry and wife Brenda and Mary Haynes and husband Dennis; sister, Joyce Cothren and husband Claytus; grandchildren, Laura Burt and husband Michael, Jerry Byrd II, Melanie Gais and husband Michael, Melissa Thompson and husband Chris, Jason Byrd and wife Diane, Kimberly Hull; eight great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, October 12, 2014 at 5:00 p.m. at Benham Baptist Church with Rev. Jeff Reeves and Mr. Rex Barker officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with full military honors provided by Yadkin VFW Post 10346. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Elkin Funeral Service. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Benham Baptist Church, 8697 Greenhorn Rd. Elkin, NC 28621. The family would like to thank the staff of Vienna Village Assisted Living and Forsyth Medical Center for their care.
