Obituary of Donald Ray Byrd

untitled3 Donald Ray Byrd Donald Ray Byrd, age 75, of the Hodgesville Community died Sunday, June 10, 2012 at his home. He was born August 23, 1936 in Cox’s Mills, WV, a son of the late Asel Boyd and Hestor Mayme Ann Smarr Byrd. On April 20, 1957 he married Barbara Bush who survives. Also, surviving are one son, David Ray Byrd and wife Tina of Hodgesville; two daughters, Phyllis Ann Bailey and fiancé Danny Coombs and Kimberly Dawn Gifford and husband Russell, all of Hodgesville; foster son, Charles Stimeling and wife Melissa of Kesling Mill, WV; one granddaughter, Jennifer Renae Ervin and Scott of Hodgesville; one grandson, Chad Allen Gifford of Norfolk, VA, serving in the U.S. Navy on board the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman; two foster grandsons, Travis Stimeling and wife Melanie of Decatur, IL and Clay Stimeling and wife Tiffany of High Point, NC; two step granddaughters, Larisa Workman and David and Megan Workman, all of Braxton County, WV; one great grandson, Cameron Sean Ervin of Hodgesville; one foster great grandson, Christopher Stimeling of Decatur; two step great granddaughters, Mariah Bush and Kirra Laurentus, both of Braxton Co.; two step great grandsons, Nathan Bush and Gabriel Workman, both of Braxton Co.; two brothers, James Byrd and wife Deloris of Cox’s Mills and Asel Byrd and wife Betty of Cedar Creek, WV; one sister, Ruby Bustle of Moses Lake, WA and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Arden and Bertis Byrd. Mr. Byrd was a well tender and a member of the Sand Run Baptist Church in Excelsior, WV. He retired from Consolidated Natural Gas after 36 years and 10 months. He enjoyed working on old Ford tractors and farming and loved his dog, Air Bud. Mr. Byrd also enjoyed spending time with his friends in his garage. He will be sadly missed by his family and close friends. Friends will be received Wednesday, June 13, 2012 from 10 AM- 1:30 PM at the church. A funeral service will be held 1:30 PM at the Sand Run Baptist Church with the Rev. Donald Butcher officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Union Church Cemetery in Tallmansville, WV. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Sand Run Baptist Church, Rt. 2 Box 137-B Buckhannon, WV 26201. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.polingstclair.com Poling-St. Clair Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation Wednesday, June 13, 2012 10AM- 1:30PM Sand Run Baptist Church, Excelsior Funeral Service Wednesday, June 13, 2012 1:30PM Sand Run Baptist Church Burial Mt. Union Church Cemetery