Royce Lee Byrd

Royce Lee Byrd, 74, of Morganton, NC passed away following a brief illness Thursday, September 10, 2015. Born January 22, 1941 in Yancey County, NC, he was the son of the late Claud Lloyd Byrd and Evelyn Lee Fox Whisnant. Royce was a devoted husband and father. He retired from N.C. Dept of Corrections after 30 years. He then worked for Griffith Security and retired after 26 years as a captain. Royce enjoyed working in the yard and gardening and had a great interest in classic cars. Royce also ran the scoreboard at Glen Alpine High School games from 1962 until 1972 and several more years at Freedom High School until Coach Wilson retired.
Royce is survived by his wife Olivia Black Byrd; sons, Royce Lee Byrd, Jr. of Cherokee, NC and Jonathan Ashley Byrd and wife, Sheree of Connelly Springs, NC; sister, Norma Ross of Morganton; and a number of nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by brothers, James Neil Byrd and Freddie Steve Byrd.
The family will receive friends Monday, September 14, 2015 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center. The funeral service will begin at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel with Rev. John Terry officiating. Burial will follow at Glen Alpine Cemetery.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.