Royce Eugene Byrd

Funeral services for Royce Eugene Byrd, 87, of Lufkin, will be held Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. in the Carroway Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Blackie Cranford and Brother Steve Cowart officiating.  Interment will follow in Whitehouse Cemetery.

Mr. Byrd was born December 1, 1931 in Huntington, Texas, the son of the late Hettie Belle (Hampton) and Weldon Eugene Byrd. He died Saturday, December 1, 2018 in a Lufkin hospital.

Mr. Byrd was retired from the Groundwood Department of Champion Paper Mill following 38 years of employment. He served his country in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. Mr. Byrd grew up under the minister, Sister Emma Irick. He began leading music at the age of 16 and directed music at the First Church of the Nazarene for many years. He was known for keeping his yard immaculate. Mr. Byrd had lived in Lufkin all his life and was a current member of Chestnut Drive Baptist Church.

Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Suzy and David Harkness of Lufkin, Paula and Randy Allen of Arlington, Patti and Craig Teafatiller of Lufkin, and Penny Byrd of Lufkin; grandchildren, Micah Harkness, Jake Teafatiller, Sam Teafatiller, all of Lufkin, Alison Thomas and husband Scott of Muenster, and Tiffany Nix and husband David of Nacogdoches; great-grandsons, Carter Thomas, Camden Thomas, and Trey Nix; sister, LaQuita Weaver of Splendora; as well as several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife of 60 years, Mona Stubblefield Byrd; and brother-in-law, James Weaver.

Pallbearers will be Wayne Forsythe, Gerald Forsythe, Mike Capps, Bobby Cranford, Stephen Manley, and Scott Thomas.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund of Chestnut Drive Baptist Church, 1701 S. Chestnut, Lufkin, Texas 75901.

The family will receive friends and loved ones from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

Memories and condolences may be added, and live webcasting of the services may be viewed at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com .

Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors