George T. Byrd, 72, of Bridgeton,
husband of Doris Bell-Byrd, went home to be with the Lord on Thursday,
Aug. 10, 2006 in the Veterans Hospital, Wilmington, Del.
George was born January 24, 1934, in Richmond, Va., to the late George
and Inez Corley-Byrd. George and family later moved to Dividing Creek
where he attended school in the Dividing Creek-Newport area and went on
to graduate from Bridgeton High School in 1954. While in high school he
played football and was a member of the wrestling and boxing team. He
further studied the art of self-defense and Judo and holds a Brown Belt
in each.
On Sept. 23, 1954, he married Doris Bell and later joined the United
States Marine Corps, where he was a Sergeant and was discharged with an
honorable discharge in 1958. While in the service he attended the
University of Hawaii.
George joined the Bridgeton Police Department in April 1958 and attended
the Firearms School and the New Jersey Police Academy in Sea Girt. He
was Assistant Self-Defense Instructor for the Bridgeton Police
Department and served on the Police Force for nine years.
George later became employed with the United States Postal Service and
was a truck driver with the Mays Landing Transportation Company and
National Freight Co, retiring in 1983.
He was a member of John Wesley United Methodist Church, where he served
as Treasurer and was a member of the Finance Committee and the Men’s
Chorus.
In 1960 he became a member of the Samuel J. Roberts Lodge 979. He served
as Exalted Ruler for ten years, was a Trustee, Secretary and was active
in many other activities. George was the originator and organized the
Twirling Rifle and Drill Team and served as its Commander. They went of
to win several trophies and awards. He served as Past Youth Director,
Past Chief Antler and was a Colonel of the Department of Education and
served on the New Jersey Executive Board for 8 years. He received his
Past Grand Exalted Rulers Degree at the New Jersey State Convention in
Atlantic City, N. J. in June of 1980.
George served in many capacities in his Military and Civic affiliations
and was known as a great and responsible community leader in the City of
Bridgeton and surrounding areas. He always gave his best in any area
that he became involved.
His military affiliations included: the Cumberland County Cemetery Task
Force, Bridgeton Marine Detachment # 193, State Director of Veterans
Affairs and Disabled Veterans # 58, Vineland. He was a lifetime member
of American Legions Cuff & Barksdale Post # 444, Past President of the
Bridgeton Veterans Council, Assistant Regional Director of the Youth
Department of Veterans Affairs, Judge Advocate of the Grand Lodge of
Veterans Affairs Dept. and was inducted into the Chapel of Four
Chaplains in 1986. He was also a member of the Mead-Landis Post,
Veterans of Foreign Wars and Shoemaker Post 95, American Legion.
His civic affiliations included: member of the Bridgeton Recreation
Committee, Mayor’s Advisory Board, Charter member African American Unity
Committee of Bridgeton, Citizens Community Committee, past Board of
Education member, Buck Fever Gunning Club, President of Brothers Ten
Club and former treasurer and worker of the Democratic Committee. He was
also a Bridgeton Hall of Fame Honoree.
He enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating and Martial Arts.
Even though George was involved in his church, military activities and
civic duties, he found time to further his education by completing a
course in Real Estate by attending the Atlantic Financial Service and
has a N. J. State License. He was also a Notary Public.
George leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Doris Bell-Byrd; six sons,
Albert (Priscilla) Jones, Millville, Kenneth (Kim) Byrd, Sr., New
Britain, Conn., Ronald (Zelda) Byrd, Vineland, George T. Byrd, III,
Bridgeton, Emil Gonzalez, Atlantic City and Terrance Byrd, New Britain,
Conn.; three daughters, Kim Byrd-Webb (Eric), Vineland, Nadine
Byrd-McClendon (Alphonso) and Stephanie Byrd, Bridgeton; twenty four
grandchildren, twenty one great grandchildren; three aunts, Elizabeth
DeValle, Melva Corley and Betty Gray and many nieces, nephews, cousins
and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents; one brother,
Joseph Corley and two sisters, Frances and Dorothy and several aunts and
uncles.
Funeral services will be held in John Wesley United Methodist Church,
Baltimore Ave., Bridgeton, on Saturday morning, Aug. 19, at 11:00
O’clock. Burial will be in the Cumberland County Veterans Cemetery,
Hopewell Township. A viewing will be held at the church on Saturday
morning between 9:00 and 11:00 O’clock. Funeral arrangements are under
the direction of the PADGETT FUNERAL HOME. Upper Deerfield Township.
Written condolences may be sent to the family via the funeral home
website at www.padgettfuneralhome.com.
Return to Main Obituary Index
or
Return to August Obituary Index
