James Earnest Byrd

(November 10, 1943 – July 16, 2020)

A Private Family Funeral Service will be held on Monday, July 20, 2020 at the Billy M. King-Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Collins for James Earnest Byrd, 76 of Seminary, who passed away on Thursday, July 16, 2020 at the Merit Health-Wesley Medical Center in Hattiesburg.

Reverend Jerry Anthony will officiate at the services.  A graveside service open to the public will be held at 12:00 noon at the Bullock Cemetery in Seminary with interment to follow.  Special music will be provided by Mrs. Samantha Mick.  Billy M. King-Colonial Chapel Funeral Home in Collins will be in charge of the arrangements.

Pallbearers will be Sean Byrd, Derek Byrd, Nathanial Sterling, Douglas Byrd, Marlon Ellzey, and Phillip Coleman.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jeremy Byrd, and Shawn Carroll.

Mr. Byrd was born on November 10, 1943 in Seminary, Mississippi.  He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother.  Mr. Byrd was a self-employed owner and operator of several businesses throughout his working career.  One of his latest ventures was selling antique cars.  Mr. Byrd was a member of the Cornerstone Pentecostal Church

He was preceded in death by his parents, Sam and Elmer Moss Byrd; an infant son, Barry Delane Byrd; and three brothers, Mack Byrd, Marvin Byrd, and Doyle Byrd.

Survivors include his wife of fifty-seven years, Jewel Coleman Byrd of Seminary; one son, Wayne Byrd, and his wife, Jennifer of Seminary; one daughter, Tammy Byrd Sterling of Seminary; four grandsons, Jeremy Byrd, Sean Byrd, Derek Byrd, and Nathanial Sterling; five great-grandchildren, Chloe Byrd, Keegan Byrd, Oliver Byrd, Dawson Byrd, and Rita Russell; two brothers, Ray Byrd  and J.W. Byrd, both of Seminary; two sisters, Betty Jo Ross of Collins, and Lois Boleware of Seminary; and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Family and friends may sign an online guestbook at www.billymkingcolonialchapel.com