BYRD

Willie Lamar Byrd, 88, a resident of Isabel community, passed away Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2013, at LSU Bogalusa Medical Center.

Born Jan. 17, 1925, he was a faithful member and deacon of Berry’s Creek Pentecostal Church in the Plainview Community. He was employed by Crown Zellerbach/ Gaylord Paper Mill for 43 years and retired in 1991.

He is survived by his wife of almost 68 years, Nora Thomas Byrd of Isabel; one son, Willie Cook (Glenda) Byrd of Isabel; two daughters, Kathy (Lawrence) Mikeska of Isabel and Shirley (Dane) Lewis of Bogalusa; his grandchildren, Joel and Paula Byrd, Lesley Lewis and Kory and Chance Rhoden; two great-grandchildren, Sarah Beth Byrd and Graham Rhoden.

He is also survived by a sister-in-law, Aline Henley Blackwell; a niece, Mary Beth Arceneax; and nephews, Barry Blackwell, Jeff Blackwell and Randall Blackwell, all of Baton Rouge.

He was preceded in death by his father, Willie Cook Byrd; his mother, Evie Mizell Byrd Blackwell; and two brothers, James “Jim” Blackwell and J. W. “Jay” Blackwell.

Visitation will all be held Friday, Sept. 20 at Poole-Ritchie Funeral Home from 10 a.m. until time for the fun–eral service at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Leon Hickman and the Rev. Jeff Mizell officiating. Interment will follow at Mizell Cemetery in Isabel.

Active pallbearers are Barry Blackwell, Jeff Blackwell, Randall Blackwell, Joel Byrd, Chance Rhoden and Dane Lewis.

To view and sign the guestbook, visit www. pooleritchiefuneralhome.com.