Leon Byrd

Obituary For Leon Byrd

Mr. Leon Byrd born in Gastonia, NC on December 4, 1933, entered eternity Saturday, March 14, 2020 at his home in Washington, DC. He was the son of the late Ernest Byrd and Nancy Ashe.

Leon was raised in Gastonia, N.C., the youngest of three and attended school until the 9th grade. At the age of 20, he enlisted into the United States Army in which he served three years with an honorable discharge. After serving in the Army, he attended Friendship Junior College and received a certificate for Carpentry in October, 1958.

Leon married the late Eva Byrd in 1962 and relocated to the District of Columbia and had three daughters during their 36 years of marriage. While there he was employed at Ohlers Service Station as the mechanic for several years. In 1975, he began working for the United States Postal Service as a truck driver picking up mail from different postal services overnight. He later retired in 1992 and took on a part time job as a driver for Ryder Company; along with doing his side job as a mechanic. He later started fixing lawn equipment until 2015.

Leon was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Eva Byrd (Meeks), Stepson: Michael Meeks, sister: Ruth Byrd and brother: Ernest Clinton Byrd Jr.

He leaves to cherish precious memories his three daughters: Gwendolyn Byrd-McNair of Silver Spring, MD, Sandra Byrd of Gastonia NC and Brigette Byrd of Gastonia, NC , eight grandchildren: Kendra Byrd, Kenneth Byrd, Xavier Byrd-Freeman, Jordan McNair, Ashlyn Crawford, Cameron Crawford, Leon Byrd-Evans and Sydney Byrd-Evans; along with three great grandchildren: JaSean Henderson, Kamiyah Cheeks and JaZarah Byrd, three nephews;and and a host of nieces, relatives and friends.

He will lie in state for viewing on Friday; March 27, 2020 from 4-8 at Gregory Funeral Service Chapel, Gastonia

Services will be private.