William James Byrd of St. James passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025, at the Aurora Health and Rehabilitation in Rolla, Missouri. William was 87 years of age.

William was born in St. Louis, Missouri on October 3, 1937, the son of Lawrence and Mayme Byrd.

On July 27, 1957 in Rolla, Missouri he was united in marriage to Myrna Louis Thomas.

William is survived by; sons, Richard Byrd (Brenda) of Cuba, Missouri and William Thomas Byrd (Guen) of Uniontown, Ohio; daughters: Joyce Byrd Brown (John R.) of Byrnes Mill, Missouri, Brenda Forrester (David) of Joplin, Missouri, and Cindy Barton (Duane) of Rolla, Missouri; brother, Lawrence Byrd; sister, Barbara Warner of St. James, Missouri. He is also survived by ten grandchildren: Sean Byrd, Robbie Yates, Lisa Yates, Kitirina Byrd, Chelsey Byrd, Drenda Barnett, Briana Plank, Gabe Barton, Justin Quisenberry, and Cameron Cameron; great-grandchildren: William Barnett, Iris Barnett, Riley Plank, Tommy Plank, Wyatt Plank, Casey Plank, Katlyn Yates, Lilly Yates, Blake Yates, Maggie Yates, Julianna Yates, Logan Byrd, Liam Quisenberry, Leana Quisenberry and Grayson Byrd, along with a host of other family and friends.

William is preceded in death by parents, his wife, Myrna (Thomas) Byrd, son-in-law, Michael Brown; grandson, Tristan Quisenberry; great-granddaughter, Harper Quisenberry; sisters, Doris Bohrer, Shirley Tabor; brothers: Charles Byrd and Raymond Byrd.

William served 18 months in the Kansas National Guard and 8 years in the Missouri Army Reserves. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and growing vegetables and flower gardens. His most favorite place to visit in the St. James area was Meramec Springs. Every year, he waited patiently for the opening season on March 1 to throw that first line in to snag trout at the springs. Every fall, he awaited the Missouri hunting season to bag a deer or turkey. He was an experienced machinist for 60+ years and held a journeyman card with UAW.

Visitation will be 9:00 AM-11:00 AM Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Jones Funeral Home in St. James, Missouri.

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Saturday, March 1, 2025 at Jones Funeral Home with Bro. Nick Lewis officiating. Pallbearers will be David Forrester, Duane Barton, Gabe Barton, John Reynolds, Tommy Plank, Jr., and Robbie Yates. Burial will be in the St. James Cemetery.

Online condolences may be shared at jonesfunerals.com.

Arrangements are under the direction of Jones Funeral Home in St. James, MO.