Maysville, NC

John Thomas “Jack” Byrd, Sr. passed away peacefully on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at his home. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at 2:00 pm at Jones Funeral Home Chapel in Jacksonville, NC, with Reverend Greg Meadows officiating. Burial will follow at Dogwood Cemetery.

Jack was the owner/operator of Byrd’s Body Shop and Truck Repair. Jack was a simple man who enjoyed working. If he were not working in his shop, he could be found working on his land. Jack did not venture far from his home. When Jack ventured beyond his hometown, he would visit Mt. Gilead, NC. Mt. Gilead was a treasured place for him because of his family roots. Jack had fond memories of spending time there when he was young. Jack enjoyed returning to visit family and his childhood best friend, who also resides there. Jack did not have hobbies like most; his hobby was working, which is really all he knew. One of Jack’s greatest possessions was his Horse Dakota. If Jack were not working, he could be found in the pasture with his horses Dakota, Gypsy, Jazzy, and the two mini donkeys, Clyde and Cupid. When Jack retired from his business. He made his home on the hill where he once had a house and raised his children, which was in perfect view of his Horses. In recent months, Jack has fought many Health Issues, causing him to lose the ability to do all the things he once enjoyed before being called home. In Jack’s last days, he most enjoyed visits from friends, looking out across his land, and walking to the door to whistle for his Horses, where they would come galloping to the fence to see him.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Walter Rufus Byrd and Pauline Skinner Byrd; his sisters, Kathleen Nurnberger, Mary Nickerson, Betty Warren, Tennie Paquette; and his brother, Bob Byrd.

Survivors include his daughter, Barbara Byrd Riggs (Brent) of Maysville, his sons, Thomas Byrd (Lisa) of Maysville and Jamie Byrd (Connie) of Kinston. Seven grandchildren: Alyssa Whealton (Japeth), Tyler Provost (Ashley), Chelsea Bynum (Bryce), Bailey Byrd, Braiden Byrd, Cain Burkett, and Heather Morris, along with four great-grandchildren: Jensen, Everleigh, Jace, and Hadlee.

The Byrd family would like to extend their appreciation to Jack’s caregivers, Mrs. Hill, Mieka, Doraine, and Ms. Gail. Without these ladies, Jack could not have lived out his final days on the hill watching his horses.

The family will receive friends one hour before the service from 1:00 to 2:00 PM.