Obituary of Bennie R. Byrd

Mr. Bennie Ray Byrd, Sr., age 76 of Zionville, passed away Thursday, July 19, 2018 at Lifecare Center of Banner Elk. He was the son of the late Will and Emma Byrd. Bennie loved excavating and did so for many years. He loved being on a backhoe, bulldozer, roller, or on a farm tractor. He never met a stranger and he loved a good prank and joke. He loved to make people smile and always wanted to bring happiness to others. After the excavating, Bennie loved to sell produce, or give it away which he often did. He was known to many as Mater Man. He was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Andy Byrd and Bill Byrd, and one son-in-law, Timmy Proffitt. He is survived by his wife, Sharon M. Byrd of Banner Elk. He is also survived by his son Bennie Ray Byrd, Jr. and wife Kim of Zionville, two daughters, Angela Proffitt of Morganton, and Kathy Misty Gregg and husband Scott of Zionville, one grandson, Benjamin Proffitt of Morganton, two granddaughters, Sydney Profitt of Morganton and Jayla Gregg of Zionville, two brothers, Bennett Byrd and wife Mary of Zionville, and Baxter Byrd and wife Janet of Zionville, one sister, Rosedna Thomas and husband Ronnie of Zionville, and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Bennie Ray Byrd, Sr. will be conducted Monday, July 23, 2018 at 2 p.m. in the Austin & Barnes Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the Byrd Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the services Monday from 12 to 2 p.m. Flowers are appreciated or donations can be made to Medi Home Health and Hospice or Lifecare Center of Banner Elk. Online condolences may be shared with the Byrd family at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com. Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Byrd family.