John Kelly Byrd passed away at home, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Visitation will be Tuesday, November 25, at First Presbyterian Church in Yazoo City from 12-2 p.m. prior to the 2 p.m. funeral service. Burial will follow at Glenwood Cemetery.
Born May 25, 1953, in Greenville, MS, John, the second of four children of the late Nancy and Tony Byrd, was raised in Greenwood, MS. He relocated to Yazoo City when he married the love of his life, Nettie Clark Byrd, in 1996. John joined First Presbyterian Church soon thereafter and went on to serve the Lord as a faithful Deacon for 21 years. He was also the groundskeeper and church custodial manager for over 20 years.
John was a graduate of Greenwood High School and of The University of Mississippi where he received a Bachelor of Business Adminstration. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity.
He was a kind, genuine man known for his strong work ethic, which he cultivated while growing up in the family’s restaurants in Greenwood. After his relocation to Yazoo City, this ethic continued in various roles in Yazoo City including Executive Director of the Triangle Cultural Center, Director of the Main Street Association where he spearheaded a major improvement grant for Yazoo City’s historic downtown and later as Senior Purchase Clerk for the Yazoo County Board of Supervisors until his death. He also spent many years working in Child Support Services in Jackson.
A soft-spoken, deeply caring husband and father, he was a gift to everyone, and his life touched many people in and around the community. John is best remembered by his gentle spirit, his devotion, love and faithfulness to his Lord and his family, and his love of a tasty, well-prepared meal.
He is survived by his adoring wife of 29 years, Nettie Clark Byrd; his beloved son, John (Andrew) Byrd and his wife, Emilie (Jackson, MS); his precious granddaughter, Sofia Byrd; a daughter, Livie Byrd; sisters, Toni (John Heston) Powers (Greenwood, MS) and Tracy Byrd (San Antonio, TX); and brother, Richard Byrd (Fort Walton Beach, FL).
Pallbearers are John Andrew Byrd, Richard Byrd, John (Heston) Powers, Jr., John Heston Powers III, Douglas Thacker, and Sam Thacker.
Honorary Pallbearers are McDaniel Gatson, Bill Malouf, and the Diaconate of First Presbyterian Church: Kip Carroll, Henry Barbour, Hayes Dent, and John Murry Greenlee.
In lieu of flowers, any donations can be made to First Presbyterian Church, 231 N. Washington Street, Yazoo City, MS 39194 or the Mississippi Animal Rescue League, 5221 Greenway Drive Ext., Jackson, MS 39204. All arrangements are under the Stricklin King Funeral Home.
