Funeral services and military honors will be at 2 p.m. today at Crestwood Chapel for Mr. Roy "Red" Byrum, 89, Sardis, who died Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016. Pastor Joe Wise and the Rev. Glenn Cornelius will officiate. Burial will be in Crestwood Cemetery.
Mr. Byrum was a graduate of Emma Sansom High and then served in the United States Navy during World War II aboard the USS Guam. He then served in the United States Army before joining the Gadsden Police Department and working there for more than 20 years. Then he worked for the Army National Guard until his retirement. He loved people and loved to be a prankster and have fun with everybody. He also loved to travel. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and friend to all and will be dearly missed.
He is preceded in death by parents Charlie and Rushie Byrum; siblings Sadie Hood, Randall Mardis, Jo Cornelius, Pat Byrum, C.D.Byrum, Doris Ann Wood, Peggy Sherrel and Shelba Stone.
He is survived by wife of more than 56 years, Marcille; son, Wayne (Becky); daughter, Teresa (Gary) Gilbert; grandchildren, Craig Minton, Brandon Gilbert and Jared Minton; six great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pallbearers will be his National Guard buddies.
Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Unity Baptist Church.
Special thanks to Southern Care Hospice and Rickey Whitt.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home today from noon until the time of service.