Miles Roland Byrd, 72, died of a stroke February 9th at Baptist Medical Center in Jackson. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, February 12th, at First Baptist Church, with Rev. Scott Phillips officiating. Visitation will be Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home. Interment will be in Poplar Flat Cemetery.
Roland was born November 4th, 1941, in Brookhaven, Mississippi, to the late Robert Luther and Sadie Roberts Byrd. Roland lived most of his life in Louisville, Mississippi, where he met and married his beloved wife of 41 years, Denise "Dee Dee" Peterson Byrd. Roland is survived by his wife, Dee Dee; three daughters, Natalie (Jacob) Myers of Gulfport, MS, Rachel (John) Brownlee of Louisville, and Hannah (Jason) Cabell of New Orleans, LA; three sons, Adam (Elizabeth) Byrd of Woodbury, MN, Isaac (Katherine) Byrd of Memphis, TN, and Miles Roland Byrd, Jr. of Starkville, MS; a sister, Rebecca (Kent) Gravett of Louisville; a brother, Robert (Kathie) Byrd of Houston, TX; and 14 grandchildren.
Roland maintained a quiet daily routine that belied the rich and varied experience of his life. A traveler from early on, Roland hitchhiked his way across Europe as a young man, and later revisited his journeys with family and friends. A veterinarian by training, Roland left his practice to run for Congress. Election not having been God's will, Roland chose to create a new livelihood for himself and his growing family in the field of insurance with his cousin Steve Roberts. Roland was a well-loved and respected member of the community who found his hope in his savior Jesus Christ. Roland was a member of First Presbyterian Church. He considered Sunday morning worship the most important part of his week and was blessed to attend worship throughout his treatment for cancer until his death. Roland was a member and past president of Rotary, a past board member of Winston County Medical Center, Grace Christian School and Renasant Bank He was instrumental in the founding and early direction of both Grace Christian School and Covenant Presbyterian Church. Roland had a heart for people. He recognized the God-given value of all those he met; and the sincerity of his interest was evident, even to strangers. He will be sorely missed.
Pallbearers are Mike Boyles, Robert Higginbotham, David Forster, Mike Forster, Paul Hogue, Charley McCool, Dan Mittan, Gerald Rivera, Steve Roberts, Sam Suttle, Mike Triplett, and Roger Wiggins. Memorials may be sent to Grace Christian School, 147 McLeod Rd, Louisville, MS 39339.
