Mr. Dewey “D.H.” Hutson Byrd, age 93, passed away at the Johnson City Medical Center on Wednesday, July 5, 2023.
He was born on January 23, 1930, in Carter County and resided in Washington County.
D.H. retired from the Johnson City Police Department after 25 years of honorable service. He was a member of Dashiell Masonic Lodge No. 238 F&AM.
D.H. was a charter member of Milligan Free Will Baptist Church.
Preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Matilda Street Byrd. D.H. was the last surviving of eight children: Learly Campbell, Ida Hanusovski, Carlos Byrd, Rev. D.C. Byrd, Georgia King, Betty Lyons, and Velma Gray.
Surviving are his loving wife of 65 years, Betty Shepard Byrd; two daughters, Carol Byrd Godsey (John) and Pam Gouge (David); grandson, James Alexander; two granddaughters, Krystal Stocker (Adam) and Marsha Clevinger (Chris); eight great grandchildren, Katelyn Leviska (Chuck), Cullen Alexander (Erin), Kegan Alexander, Hannah Stocker, Ayden Stocker, Jake Ramsey, Mason Ramsey and Blakely Clevinger.
He cherished his many special nieces and nephews.
D.H’s friends knew he was a conversationalist. He would strike up a conversation with neighbors, friends, or anyone who had the time to listen to a story and he had lots of them! Matthew 7:12 was his life’s goal. D.H.’s kindness to others was returned to him by his friends in these last few years which demonstrated their loyalty and respect to him.
Funeral Services will be held at 7:00 PM, on Friday, July 7, 2023, at Milligan Free Will Baptist Church and a visitation will be from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, prior to the service. Rev. Mark Street and Rev. Nathan Jennings officiating. A Graveside Service will be at 12:00 PM, Saturday, July 8, 2023, at Monte Vista Memorial Park. Those wishing to attend will meet at the cemetery at 11:45 AM.
Pallbearers will be James Alexander, Cullen Alexander, Kegan Alexander, Ayden Stocker, Darrell Byrd, and Jerry Carr.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Tim Byrd, Hudson Calhoun, John Godsey, David Gouge, Walter Pierce, Jerry Huskins, Joe Johns, Kent Harris, Roger Nave, Kim Burchfield and Ken Potter.
In lieu of flowers, D.H. requested donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org/donate
07/30/2023
Matthew Richards
Gone But Not Forgotten.
07/15/2023
Teresa Calhoun, Niece
My Uncle DH went to Heaven on the morning of July 5. We all mourn his passing, of course, but his earthly goal was meeting his Savior. Uncle DH was a Christian man who loved reading his Bible and singing gospel songs from the redback church hymnal. He enjoyed going to church. He was a kind and gentle soul who appreciated every act of kindness. He loved chili buns and FF from Pal’s. He loved working in his garage on anything that required a hammer or drill. Uncle DH always welcomed me in his home …offering flavored water or a Diet Pepsi. He was proud of his heritage …his parents and siblings. Loved telling stories of his “driving the bus” days. He loved his wife, Aunt Betty, devotedly. His immediate family took such good care of him! Let us all follow his desire to always be honest and never stray from Christian ethics. WE MISS YOU UNCLE DH……BUT WE WILL SEE YOU SOON.
I knew D.H. most of my life. My Mom worked with Betty at Advance many years ago. I believe my parents rented a house from him when I was very young. He was a good man and will be missed. God speed, D.H.!
I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a kind soul. From the moment I met him I liked his kind manner. We would have a quiet conversation about how he was so thankful for me taking good care of his sister, Ida. For that I was very thankful and grateful our paths crossed. Prayers for the family.
I met Mr. Byrd when he called me to fix an electrical problem.
When I finished, we talked about some of calls he went on as a JCPoliceman and when I ask about old old cases that went back to the 60's and 70's, they were real eye openers.
Mr. Byrd made you feel right at home and that you had known him for years.
I always hated not going back to visit to hear his stories. He was a good man.
D.H. was one of the kindest and most generous persons. Heaven gained a saint. He will be missed.
07/06/2023
Linda Moros, Niece, from Massachusetts
I have fond memories of my Uncle DH. Many times, as a kid we visited my relatives driving from California to Tennessee. Uncle DH was always warm and had many funny stories to tell.
When I married, my new husband, Bill & I came for a visit. We barley made it into town, as we were pulled over by a police car. We checked to make sure we were going at the right speed, and pulled over, as the handsome policeman came to our car window. What a surprise to see my Uncle DH, and he stated “ Welcome home, glad to see you”. I am sure the cars that passed wondered what happen as the couple embraced the policeman!
Uncle DH was my Mom’s (Ida Hanusovski) little brother, and they adored each other. I will remember my Uncle DH being happy, and loving person, always ready to help anyone who needed a smile and kind words. He always ask if we had enough money to make it home.
With Love and Hugs from your Niece, Linda Moros, from Massachusetts
