Shelby (Shelbo) Robert Byrd, 88, of Maynard, Arkansas, was called home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 17, 2020.

Born on April 4, 1932 to Robert and Opal Byrd in Gainesville, Tennessee. All that knew him would describe Shelbo as a servant of the Lord, provider to his family, protector of our country, remarkable guitar player, lover of nature, hard worker, wonderful brother, and a devoted daddy and granddaddy. He was stern in demeanor but a loving mentor to us all. He lived a life of many accomplishments but most notably a Korean War veteran serving on the frontlines of the war and earned a medal of honor for his heroism.

He married Doris Ruth Baldwin on August 5, 1961 and together they raised five children. He dedicated his life to his family. A family get-together was never complete without a few songs played on the banjo, guitar, or harmonica. He enjoyed teaching his kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, neighbors, and friends how to play music and pat their foot to the tune. His smile and humor would light up the room. Hard work never scared him, he worked long days running a dozer building bridges, highways, lakes, and much more. When he retired his days were always spent outside working on the farm from daylight to dark. Even in his eighties he worked just as hard as he did in his forties as age was just a number and no matter what work had to get done.

Shelbo was preceded in death by his wife Doris Ruth Byrd; his parents, Robert and Opal Byrd; one sister Alma Lane; three brothers, J.D Byrd, Richard Byrd, and Tony Byrd; one grandson Isaac Gene Byrd.

He is survived by his children; Shelby (Trisha) Byrd of Maynard, Tim (Angie) Byrd of Maynard, Thresa (Brian) Stewart of Paragould, Jeff (Stacey) Byrd of Alabama, and Nancy (Ben) Sims of Maumelle. Sisters; Mamie Lou (Bobby) Covington of Houston, TX, Alice Faye Miller of Sweetwater, TN, Mary (Wayne) Green of Mason,TN, and Lillian Cross of Mason, TN. Brothers; Billy (Carolyn) Byrd of Brighton, Jerry (Jan) Byrd of Brighton. Grandchildren; Tab (Vince) Avery of Pocahontas, Patty (Todd) Karr of Biggers-Reyno, Brandon (Desiree) Byrd of Pocahontas, Bryan (Brittany) Byrd of Maynard, David (Jessica) Grissom of Pocahontas, Missy Czarnikow of Harrison, Haley Songer of Paragould, Amanda Pepion of Jonesboro, Cody Byrd of Maynard, Katelyn (Layne) LaBudde of Little Rock, and Ashley Sims of Maumelle. Also, nineteen great and great-great grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held on April 25, 2020 at 2:00pm at Ebenezer Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery in Mason Tennessee with Pastor Brian Miller officiating. Pallbearers will be his grandsons, David Grissom, Brandon Byrd, Bryan Byrd, Cody Byrd and great grandsons, Shelby Avery and Hunter Grissom.

Arrangements Under direction of McNabb Funeral Home.