Hilton Byrd was born Jan. 27, 1939, to Bessie Magee-Watson and Johnny Byrd in Warnerton. He attended school at Washington Parish High School. An avid athlete, he starred in football, track, and baseball. After high school, he was a member of the football team at Southern University. He played minor league baseball in Houston.

Later, he ran track for the U.S. Army throughout his military career. Hilton resided in Houston for more than 20 years where he was a conductor for Southern Pacific Railroad. He was very skilled in carpentry and landscaping.

He was a contractor for Perry Homes for many years. Hilton spent the last 29 years in Atlanta, Ga. His grandchildren were his pride and joy. They are Darrell and Devin Williams, Eric Arreola Jr., Lyndsey Byrd, and Kodi Douglas of Houston, Texas and Victoria and Sydjea Stillwell of Washington, D.C.

He was preceded in death by his parents, stepfather Woodrow Watson, brothers Edwin and Donald Watson, and Lawrence Magee, sister Brenda Jackson, and surrogate father Jack Burris.

Remaining to celebrate his life are: daughter Dr. Dana Byrd-Arreola (Eric) of Houston, sons Dexter Byrd, Attorney Garland Stillwell, and Benjamin Douglas of Houston, sisters Bess Lynette Cockrell (Prince), Rita Hawthorne (J.W.), brothers Woody (Junita), Gervis, and Larry Watson of Franklinton, Sylvester Johnson (Patricia) of Houston. Many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Ex-wife and best friend in life Edna Byrd of Houston.

The visitation will be Friday, Dec. 9, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Crain and Sons Funeral Home. The funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 10, at Sweet Home Church of Christ Holiness. The Interment will be held at Sweet Home Church Cemetery.

Sign the guestbook online at www.crainandsons.com.