Hesey Karl Byrd

Mr. Hesey Karl Byrd, 98, of Ocean Springs, MS died on Monday, November 12, 2018 at The Gardens Senior Living in Ocean Springs, MS. Mr. Byrd was born on December 7, 1919 in Ocean Springs. He was the son of Gabriel ‘Hesey’ and Almeda Byrd. He was a member of Belle Fountain Baptist Church, he also attended St. Paul United Methodist Church & Emanuel Baptist Church of Ocean Springs. He played football for Ocean Springs Jr. & Sr. High school. He was a member of the Mississippi National Guard, Dixie Division, which was activated in 1941 after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor he was assigned to the Pacific Theater and was a supply Corporal in the Army Air Corp 424th Bomb Squadron. After WWII, He returned home to Ocean Springs, and went to work at Keesler AFB in the 3380th base supply group where he was given many certificates for his dedication to the Air Force Mission. He attended the National Red Cross National Aquatic School at Camp Carolina, Brevard, N.C. and taught swimming in Ocean Springs at the community pier on front beach. Mr. Byrd is preceded in death by his spouse, Denise Margaret of 63 years; two brothers, Harold N. Byrd and Charles Ashley Byrd; three sisters, Genevieve (Aubrey) Webb, Clara Byrd, and Joyce (Luster) Mills; son, Richard Raphael Byrd; and grandson, Jason Stahl. Mr. Byrd is survived by seven children, Susan (George) Beatty, Karla (Dale) Stahl, both of Ocean Springs, Daniel Byrd of D’Iberville, Janice (Bob) Ferro of Gulfport, John Byrd of Paradice, CA, Doyle Byrd of Troy, AL, and Terry (Kathleen) Byrd of Wiggins; 9 grandchildren; 1 step grandchild; 12 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Visitation for family and friends will be held Saturday, November 17, 2018 at St. Paul United Methodist Church on Porter Ave in Ocean Springs from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., with a funeral service held at 1:00 p.m. Bro. Larry Darden of Belle Fountain Baptist and Dr. Rick Brooks of St. Paul United Methodist Officiating. Graveside service will follow at Crestlawn Memorial Park, Ocean Springs, MS.