Jackie Byrd

Mr. Jackie Byrd, 77, of Cherokee County, Georgia, passed away on July 15, 2018 surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born in McLain, Mississippi, on July 12, 1941.

He attended the University of Southern Mississippi to graduate in 1963 with a BS in both Chemistry and Mathematics. Jack served as a pilot in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. By 1968, Jack was traveling the world as a pilot for Pan American Airways. In 1974, Jack, with his brother Gerald Byrd & Al Cline, co-founded the engineering & consulting firm Byrd, Inc. In 1977, Jack married his loving wife of 41 years, Gilda. After 24 years of working at Byrd, Inc. Jack made the decision to retire.

In 1998, Jack and Gilda moved to Whitefish, Montana, to enjoy the gorgeous mountain climate. In 2012, after the arrival of their many grandchildren, Jack and Gilda decided to move back to the South.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Ethyl and Hinkle Byrd. He is survived by his wife, Gilda Byrd; children, Ian Brannan, Kimberly Byrd Subacz (Jonathan Subacz), and Lee Byrd (Kristin Sharp Byrd); siblings, Gerald Byrd, Sandra Byrd Pauly, and Kitty Byrd; five grandchildren, a niece and several nephews.

A brief military funeral service is scheduled for 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 at Georgia National Cemetery. The caring staff of Georgia Funeral Care and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family. www.georgiafuneralcare.com.