James Rastus Byrd, Jr.

Pembroke- James Rastus “Jake” Byrd, Jr. age 83, passed away Sunday, September 30, 2018.  Mr. Byrd was born March 31, 1935 in Bulloch County to the late Rastus Byrd Sr. and Lee Anna Burnsed Byrd. He was a 1953 graduate of Nevils High School and a 1957 graduate from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Agriculture. Mr. Byrd was Assistant County Agent for Evans, Tift and Screven Counties before becoming County Extension Director in Johnson County from 1963-1973.  In 1973, Mr. Byrd became the County Extension Director in Bryan County and served that position until his retirement in 1990.

Mr. Byrd was a veteran of the United States Air National Guard and was President of the Lotts Creek Hunting Club from 1973 until present day.  He loved training and hunting bird dogs and later enjoyed deer hunting and raising deer dogs.  Mr. Byrd grew produce for numerous years selling to many of the local supermarkets and restaurants.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Patty Lanier Bryd and sister, Francis Grayson.

Survivors include his son and daughter-in-law, James L. “Pete” and Pat Byrd of Groveland; daughter and son-in-law, Darlene B. and Rick Shuman of Pembroke; and grandchildren, Lanny Byrd, Laura and Patrick Nickles, Monique A. and Trey Miller and Ciara P. and Randy Sims, and five great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held 10 A.M. – 11 A.M. Wednesday, October 3, 2018 at the funeral home.  A graveside service will follow at 11 A.M. Wednesday at Northside Cemetery with Rev. Jim Sullivan officiating.

To sign the online register, please visit www.flandersmorrisonfuneralhome.com.

Flanders Morrison Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements for Mr. James Rastus Byrd.