Gregory Byrd

On Saturday, October 11, 2025, God called home His faithful servant Gregory Rodney Byrd, Sr. He was the beloved son of the late Ann O. Byrd and James Wendell Byrd, Jr., and was preceded in death by his brother, Armand Byrd. Gregory was a proud graduate of McKinley Technology High School in Washington, D.C., class of 1984. Soon after, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he served honorably in the 10th Mountain Division, a light infantry unit based out of Fort Benning, Georgia. He went on to become an Army Ranger, a distinction that reflected his strength, discipline, and dedication. After completing his military service, Gregory returned home and began working for a construction company before joining the D.C. Fire Department in 1991. A cherished member of Engine 25, Greg was known for his exceptional driving skills, his passion for cooking, and his deep camaraderie with fellow firefighters. Alongside his work as a firefighter, he also launched a successful cleaning business, demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit and work ethic. 

Gregory later moved with his family to Charles County, Maryland, where he devoted himself to raising his children and being a pillar of his community. His spiritual journey began at the age of 15, when he began attending Free Gospel Church of Christ in Coral Hills, Maryland, in 1982. Under the leadership of Bishop Ralph E. Green, Gregory grew in faith and understanding of the Gospel. He joyfully accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior, was baptized, and received the gift of the Holy Spirit. His relationship with Christ became the unwavering foundation of his life, carrying him through trials, triumphs, and every season in between. Blessed with the gift of cheerful giving, Gregory used his life to serve others. Whether training the next generation of firefighters, uplifting his family, or staying connected to his community, he poured his heart into every role he held. His laughter was contagious, and his kindness touched the lives of all who knew him.His generosity and steadfast faith left an indelible mark on everyone he encountered.

He leaves behind a legacy that will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. Today, we pause to honor the life of a beloved husband, father, brother, nephew, uncle, cousin, and friend. He leaves to cherish his memory: his devoted wife, Nnadusu Byrd; daughters, Autumn Byrd, Amber Byrd, and Ann Byrd; sons, Gregory Byrd, Jr. (wife Natasia Byrd), Christopher Epps, and Josiah Byrd; three stepdaughters, Amie Koroma, Bintu Koroma, and Kadijata Koroma; and grandchildren, Chandler Brown, Kylee Parker, Cali Parker, True Anderson, and Arsema Koroma. He is also survived by his sisters, Elania Williams (husband Carl Williams) and Nina Byrd; and brothers, James W. Byrd III, Robert Byrd, and Antonio Byrd (wife Velma Byrd). Precious memories are also cherished by his aunts, Doris Harvey, Kathy Byrd, and Betty Byrd; uncles, Gene Byrd (wife Bernice Byrd) and Larry Byrd (wife Robin Byrd); along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends. In honoring the memory of Greg, let us remember his unshakeable faith in God, his loving heart and the laughter he shared with all who loved him. May his memory live on in the hearts of all who were touched by his presence.

A celebration of life service will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Lee’s Funeral Home, located at 6633 Old Alexandria Ferry Rd, Clinton, MD. A second service will take place on Saturday, October 25, 2025, from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Second Baptist Church, located at 26725 Ruther Glen Rd (Route 642), Ruther Glen, VA 22546. “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…” - 2 Timothy 4:7–8 (NIV)