Bobby Gene Byrd

Bobby Gene Byrd age 81 of Fries, Virginia passed away at his home on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.

Gene was born in Caswell County, North Carolina on July 4, 1945, to James Jordan and Virginia Carolina Bonham Byrd.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War, where he was awarded the Bronze Star for saving a fellow serviceman on the battlefield.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Phoebe Dooley Byrd and a brother James Byrd.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law Bonnie and Eddie Bond of Fries, Virginia; his granddaughter Hannah Bond Herod (Judah) of Winston-Salem, North Carolina; sister Katie Henderson of Lyndhurst, Virginia; sisters-in-law Betty Benfield of Lenoir, North Carolina; Debbie Dooley of Independence, Virginia; brother-in-law Melvin Dooley of Fries, Virginia; several nieces, nephews and numerous dear friends.

Gene will be remembered as a giving friend, a devoted and admirable father, and a man whose faith was an important part of his life. He loved the Lord and was deeply devoted to his church family at Atkins Memorial Methodist Church.

Special thanks to Bryan Gravely for assisting the family in honoring Gene’s wish to be at home in his final days.

The funeral service will be held Tuesday at 2:00 PM in the Atkins Memorial Methodist Church with Pastor Lee Thomas officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by the Grayson VFW Post 7726 in recognition of Gene’s honorable service to his country.

The family will receive friends Monday evening from six until eight at the Atkins Memorial Methodist Church.

Gene will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of faith, generosity, courage, and love will live on the hearts of those he