Page created by: Alan Byrd

Darrel Byrd, 77 of Dundee, Mississippi, went to his heavenly home on Monday, October 23, 2017. He was a devoted husband, dad, and pappaw. Darrel was born in Leachville, Arkansas on November 13, 1939 to Bruce Byrd and Lucille Duncan Byrd who preceded him in death. He is survived by a brother, James Byrd, and a brother-in-law, Mike Nuss. Darrel was preceded in death by two sisters, Meltha Harvey and Bobbie Nuss, and a brother, Donnie Byrd.

In the early 1960’s, the Byrd family moved from Leachville to Elaine, Arkansas, where Darrel farmed and tended to livestock. He became a licensed auctioneer in 1962. In 1970, Darrel moved his family to Dundee where he expanded his farming and livestock operations and later opened River Route Packing Company. Most importantly, Darrel accepted Jesus Christ as his savior and was baptized on February 13, 1996.

His favorite past times included spending time with his family, riding the levee looking after the cattle, and studying the history of the wild west. He also enjoyed supporting youth academics and athletics through the Twin City Athletic Association and DeSoto School, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Katherine Nowell Byrd who was the love of his life, and their five children; Jeff Byrd (Wanda) of Manila, Arkansas, Jamie Byrd Morris (Bubba) of Hernando, Mississippi, Shawndus Byrd Gregory (Phillip) of Helena, Arkansas, Alan Byrd (Kristi) of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and Cindy Byrd Hindsley (Allen) of Marvell, Arkansas.

Darrel’s family grew over the years with the addition of thirteen grandchildren, Justin Yancey (Amy), Kyle Yancey, Hunter Byrd (Devin), Chelse Morris, Jake Byrd (Liz), Matt Gregory, Nicholas Byrd (Caitlyn), Jordyn Brown (Darren), Joylyn Bartlett (Connor), Alec Byrd, Adam Byrd, Anna Byrd, and Aidan Byrd and nine great grandchildren Lane Yancey, Mason Byrd, Hayden Byrd, Ava Yancey, Bryson Byrd, Harper Byrd, Gavin Yancey, and Brooks Yancey.

The pallbearers for the service will be the nine grandsons. The honorary pallbearers are Woody Brown, Lee Graves, LC Lucas, Oby Easley, Wayne Crews, Dorman Roach, and Norman Hargrove.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at or a charity of your choice.

The funeral service will be at Roller Citizens Funeral Home in West Helena, Arkansas, on Thursday, October 26, 2017. Visitation will begin at 10 am with the service to follow at 11 am.