John Robert Byrd, Sr.

John Robert Byrd, Sr., 91, of Bladenboro, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026 at UNC Health-Southeastern in Lumberton. He was born on January 14, 1935, in Robeson County to the late Lucius Guy Byrd and Mary Clark Byrd.

John was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife of 49 years, Ethel Elizabeth Byrd; his siblings: Betty Powers, Ella Jones, Bud Byrd, Charles Byrd, Yates Byrd, and Ruth Russell.

John was born in Tolarsville, NC, a small town in Robeson County. He was one of eight siblings and a baby sister who died in infancy. His family moved several times locally and moved a short time to Fort Lauderdale, FL. His family eventually built a house near his grandparent's home where he grew very close to his grandfather, Robert L. Byrd, a circuit riding preacher who was well known in Bladen and Robeson Counties. As a boy and young man, he worked long hours in the fields while also helping his father build houses and farm buildings in the surrounding area. He had a fascination with tools and gadgets and became skilled at using them. He eventually used those skills to build furniture for his family when he grew up.

Early in the Cold War years, he was selected and trained in Civil Defense. He became certified as a Fallout Shelter Manager  in Radiological Monitoring. Upon graduating high school, his lifetime career began at age 18 with Carolina Telephone in Jacksonville, NC. During his 40 year career he held positions in Washington, NC, Clinton, NC, and Fayetteville, NC. He retired as the District Manager while in Greenville, NC. 

John leaves behind his son, John Robert Byrd, Jr.; his daughter, Mary "Bunnie" Dowless and her husband, Terry; brother, Cecil Byrd; sister, Rosa Edge; grandchildren: Cameron Dowless, Mason Byrd, and Emma Byrd, who brought him immense joy and pride.

The family will receive friends from 3:30pm-4:15pm on Thursday, April 23rd at Center Road Baptist Church. A funeral service will follow at 4:30pm in the church sanctuary with Reverend Leon Warren officiating. Burial will take place in the New Pait Cemetery in Bladenboro.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Samaritan’s Purse c/o Operation Christmas Child, PO Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or to Center Road Baptist Church.

John dedicated his life to his family and community. His passing closes a significant chapter for those who knew him as a pillar of strength and kindness. John's memory will forever be treasured by all who had the privilege of knowing him.