The late Herbert Byrd, Jr. was born to Rev. Herbert and Libra Gardner Byrd on December 10th, 1960. He was the third of three children. He departed this life on September 6th, 2008. He graduated from Muskogee High School with the class of 1979. He attended Northeastern State University. Herbert was employed as a machinist at Owens Illinois for twenty-three years. Professing a belief in the Lord at a young age , Herbert united with Primitive Baptist Church, of Summit under the leadership of Rev. Lindsey Gardner at the age of twelve. Later he joined Second Christian Church of Muskogee under the pastorage of Reverends Herbert and Libra J. Byrd. On March 1st, 2005 he married Chynthia M. Hill. No children were born to this union. The family members Herbert leaves behind to cherish their fond memories of him include his devoted wife, Chynthia Byrd of Muskogee, OK, three children, Herbert Byrd III of Edmond, OK, Khina Hill and Shaneka Gibson both of Muskogee, OK, his loving and devoted parents Reverend Herbert and Libra J. Byrd of Muskogee. Two loving and devoted sisters Lovie A.Byrd and Geraldin Lee both of Muskogee, OK. One devoted brother-in-law Willie Lee of Muskogee, OK, one very special nephew, Daniel Byrd, three loving sisters-in-law, four loving brothers-in-law, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, who loved him dearly and many friends.

Funeral services for Herbert will be held on Friday, September 12th, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at Greater Rayfield Baptist Church, with Rev. Leroy Walker Sr., host pastor. Rev. Glenn O. Gardner will perform the eulogy. He will be laid to rest in Greenhill Cemetery. Visitation will be today from 1:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the church.

Services are under the direction of Ragsdale Funeral Center.