Nancy Byrd Obituary

Nancy Sue Runnels Byrd, the mother of Bayfield resident Gwen Byrd Perkins, died Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011, at her home in Weatherford, Texas. She was 79.

Mrs. Byrd was born to CB "Ray" and Edna Holloway Runnels and raised by her grandparents Happy and Nancy Holloway.

On Nov. 22, 1947, she married Wallace "Oscar" Byrd in Redland, Texas, where they both had attended school. After Mr. Byrd served in stint in the U.S. Navy, during which they were stationed in San Diego and Hawaii, they returned to Lufkin, Texas, where they had several businesses and where they could be close to family and friends.

In the early 1960s, the Byrds moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where they opened the first of many A & B Muffler & Brake Shops. They continued building businesses all over Texas.

When they retired, the Byrds built their home in Weatherford.

"Nancy's greatest pleasure was her children and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren," her family wrote. Mrs. Byrd was preceded in death by her son, Robert Oscar "Bob" Byrd, in 2008; and daughter Rebecca "Becky" Sue Byrd in 1956.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Wallace "Oscar" Byrd of Weatherford; daughter, Gwen Byrd Perkins, of Bayfield; "son," Danny Wallis, of Weatherford; six grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren.

Visitation took place from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 11, 2011, at White's Funeral Home, 130 Houston Ave. in Weatherford, and another will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, at Gibson-Metcalf Funeral Home in Lufkin. A funeral will be held at 11 a.m. today, Feb. 12, 2011, in White's Chapel of Memories. Brian Leatherman will officiate. Burial will take place 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, in Garden of Memories Memorial Park in Lufkin.