Thomas Ray Byrd “Tommy”, 77, of Lillington passed away Sunday, January 24, 2021, at the
VA Hospital with his family by his side. He was born in Lee County , the son of the late Carlyle
and Cleo Byrd.
Tommy was a lifetime member of Antioch Baptist Church in Mamers, NC. He enjoyed being
outside, working in a garden, and cutting grass. Most of all, Tommy enjoyed being with his
family especially spending time with his three grandchildren.
Tommy was a proud Veteran. He served in the US Army assigned to the 101st Airborne from
April 1965-April 1967. After training and jump school, his first assignment was a Paratrooper
with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY. He then served with the 101st
Airborne in Vietnam. His next assignment was a paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division
of Fort Bragg, NC. While in service, Tommy earned his wings, a Purple Heart, Vietnam
Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Army Commendation Medal, CIB, and National
Defense Service Medal. Tommy received an Honorable Discharge in April of 1967. After
service, Tommy went on to work at the NC Department of Correction, where he retired with 34
years in 2001. Tommy also retired with Roadway.
Tommy is survived by his wife, Barbara Deal Byrd; daughter Tracy Cole and husband Marc;
daughter Terri Stewart and husband Aaron; grandchildren Ayden Cole, Tatum Stewart, and
Gunnar Stewart.
A graveside service will be held Wednesday, January 27th at 11:00AM at Antioch Baptist Church
Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Fayetteville VA Medical Center, 2300 Ramsey Street, Cottage
73, Fayetteville, NC 28301.
In accordance with current North Carolina COVID-19 guidelines, the funeral home requests
that everyone in attendance practice social distancing and wear a face covering.
Arrangements by O’Quinn-Peebles-Phillips Funeral Home & Crematory, Lillington. Online
condolences at www.oppfh.com.
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Thomas Ray "TByrd" Byrd, please visit our floral store.