Irvin Byrd

Irvin Oliver Byrd, 67, of Mebane, loving Husband, Daddy, PaPaw, and Brother, passed away in the loving arms of his wife at their home on Thursday, November 18th, after a five month battle with cancer. He was the son of the late Johnnie Preston and Hallie Oliver Byrd of Yanceyville and son-in-law of the late John and Edna Foster of Mebane. He was a devoted husband to Ilene Foster Byrd of Mebane, lovingly married for the last forty four years and the most wonderful Daddy and PaPaw to Blair and Diane Byrd, parents of Audrey, Valerie and Rachel; Lynette and Jeff Hawley, parents of Luke and Caleb; and Preston and Cindy Byrd, parents of Lillie and Kacie. He was a wonderful brother to Wilson Byrd and his wife Shelby of Burlington and Elmer Byrd and his wife Joan of Elon, and brother-in-law of Sonaha Lewis and her husband Allen, Johnnie Ray Foster and his late wife Elizabeth, and Lonnie Foster and his wife Amanda, all of Mebane. He also leaves behind thirteen nieces, nephews and their families who he was very proud of. Irvin grew up on a tobacco farm in rural Caswell County and graduated from Anderson High School. From there he worked in textile mills in Caswell, Orange and Alamance counties, retiring from Fairystone Fabrics in 2006. In his spare time he was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt, fish and garden. He also enjoyed playing softball for over thirty years with friends at Oakview Presbyterian Church and Long's Chapel. He shared his love of the game with his family. He enjoyed watching the grandchildren play, and they were most definitely the apple of his eye. He was a member and Deacon of Long's Chapel Christian Church where he was the cemetery keeper, as well as the primary egg-cracker at the Annual Ham and Egg supper. He leaves behind an enormous host of friends, neighbors, former co-workers, and extended family who have been faithful and supportive beyond words. A funeral service will be held 3:00 p.m. Sunday, November 21, 2010 at Long's Chapel Christian Church with Rev. Dr. James Baughn. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday evening at Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory. Memorials can be made to Long's Chapel Christian Church in his memory 2364 N. NC Hwy 49 Burlington, NC 27217 . You may sign the online register book at www.lowefuneralhome.com