Andy Lamar Byrd

Benson, NC: Mr. Andy Lamar Byrd, age 56 of West Parrish Drive passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025 at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh surrounded by those who loved him most. He was the son of the late Bobby Byrd and Brenda Coats Byrd of Benson. He was a 1987 graduate of South Johnston High School, where he was involved in ROTC and held the position of Cadet Group Commander. Andy was a 1991 graduate of NC State University with a Bachelors degree in history. On May 4th 1996 Andy married Tammy Wood Byrd. They spent 28 years of marriage hand in hand and created a home and family filled with so much love and so many blessings. 

The first blessing was Sarah Elizabeth Byrd, born April 10th 2002 and the second was Anna Grace Byrd born August 10th 2007. All three of Andy’s girls were the light of his life. During this time, Tammy and Andy became foster parents and spent 10 years having the privilege of loving and nurturing every child that came into their home. 

If you knew Andy Byrd you knew he was a Godly man. He loved fiercely, especially his family, his friends, and his girls: Tammy, Sarah Elizabeth & Anna Grace. He touched the lives of countless people through his huge heart and immense generosity. Andy had a unique way of always making people feel welcome, heard, and loved. He was a great teacher at Coats Erwin Middle School where he taught 7th grade science and he was a youth leader at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church. Andy was the greatest gift in our human life and God chose the most perfect role model in him. He was the best husband, son, daddy, brother, furdad and friend you could have ever asked for. The impact of Andy’s life will forever be felt by anyone and everyone who knew him. They say grief is love with nowhere to go. So today, we chose to love and live in honor of him and the life he lived. 

In addition, Andy is survived by his sister, Tammy Byrd Autry and brother-in-law, Randy Autry of Benson, and his nieces, Nicole Autry Justice and Jessica Autry Hall; Great Nephew, Trey Justice and Great Niece, Adalynn Grace Justice; Father-in-law Ronnie Ray Wood of Four Oaks and several furkids that he said he never wanted but loved anyway (Jack, Lily, Delilah, Harley, Daisy, Ollie).

Funeral Services will be 2:30PM Saturday, January 25, 2025 at Beulah Baptist Church in Benson. Officiating will be Rev. David Smithey. Burial will follow at Ebenezer Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Coats. Family will receive friends from 12:15PM to 2:15PM on Saturday, January 25, 2025 in the Beulah Baptist Church Sanctuary prior to the service and other times at the home. 

Arrangements by Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Benson.