Mr. Herbert Leon Byrd, Jr

July 9, 1973-June 27, 2026

Herbert Leon Byrd, Jr. was born on Monday, July 9, 1973 at Obici Hospital Suffolk, Virginia. Junior accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Paul Holiness Church. In his youth he was actively involved in the youth ministry and could always be depended on to participate in church activities, including singing in the youth choir and reading devotions and Scripture.

As a young man, Herbert developed a strong work ethic through farming, faithfully working with the Gilchrist and Price Farms. Near the completion of his high school years, he chose to serve his community by completing training to become a volunteer with the Surry County Volunteer Rescue Squad, where he was the first Black male of the squad. Herbert graduated from Surry County High School in June 1991 and later earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from Norfolk Seminary College.

Herbert had a genuine love for people, and that compassion was evident in his role as Assistant Director of Transportation for Chesapeake Public Schools, where he faithfully served for more than 15 years. He consistently went above and beyond to ensure that his bus drivers felt valued, supported, and appreciated for their dedication and hard work.

Herbert loved cruising, fishing, traveling to Disney World, hosting, and entertaining family and friends. But make no mistake about it, his number one passion was TALKING and making new friends everywhere he went.

On August 5, 2000, Herbert married the love of his life, Trista Lewis Byrd. Together they built a beautiful life filled with love, faith, and family. They enjoyed traveling the world together and treasured opportunities to attend musicals and plays.

Herbert was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Herbert “James” and Lucy Blount Byrd; maternal grandparents, Thomas J. Reese, Jr., Alice Hill Pierce, and Anna Louise Williams.

Herbert’s memories will be forever be cherished by his loving wife of 26 years, Trista Byrd; son Triston Byrd; grandchildren, King and Majesti Byrd; devoted parents, Herbert “Leon”, Sr. and Geraldine Byrd, sister, Cheryl Byrd Shears, father-in-law and mother-in-law, Jasper, Sr. and Orlena Lewis; brother-in-law Jasper “JJ”(Sydney) Lewis; Nephew Adrian “Ace” Shears, Jr., niece and Goddaughter Cassidy Shears; Aunts Everlena Eley, Gloria(Kelma) Howell-Mason, and Alicia Delk; Uncles Melvin(Helen) Reese, Lamont(Nicole) Hill, Theodore Evans, Bruce “Wayne”(Denise) Evans, and Floyd(Virginia) Pierce;  Godparents Marvin and Minnie King; Honorary Godmother Constance Mabry, and many loving cousins who were like sisters and brothers. 

On Saturday, June 27th, Herbert entered God’s loving embrace surrounded by his loving family and cherished friends. Although he is no longer with us physically, his love, laughter, and light will continue to shine in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.

Viewing will take place on Thursday, July 2, 2026, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Saint Paul's Holiness Church, 8645 Rolfe Hwy., Dendron, VA.

A Tribute honoring his life will be held at 11:30 am. on Friday, July 3, 2026, at the church. Interment will follow in Saint Paul's Cemetery, 3081 Holly Bush Rd., Dendron, VA. Please keep the Byrd family in your thoughts and prayers.