Dr. George Thomas Byrd

George Thomas Byrd, Ph.D., age 59 of Ferrum died Tuesday, February 14, 2012 at home. Born April 26, 1952 in Chickasaw, Alabama, George moved to Warner Robins, Georgia with his family, where he starred in the classroom and on the field as a multisport athlete and holder of the GA state record in the 120 yd. hurdles. Born to the late Floyd and Flora Byrd, he spent his life surrounded by the friendship and love of his siblings: Robert (Cindy) Byrd, Jeanette (Mike) Stewart, Kyle (Debbie) Byrd and Susan (Terry) Doss. He is survived by sons, Samuel (Daliz Pérez-Cabezas), Benjamin, Graham and Nathan Byrd. His professional career began at the University of Georgia, where he received his B.S. in zoology and M.S. and Ph.D. in agronomy. As Associate Professor of Agricultural Sciences at Ferrum College since 2000, he was a font of knowledge. He enjoyed explaining concepts and furthering the understanding of our natural world. The author of numerous scientific papers, he was a member of the Crop Science Society of America and the Virginia Academy of Science, among others. George was a wildlife enthusiast, an avid outdoorsman and gardener. His time indoors was often spent behind a stringed instrument, where family and friends enjoyed his talent for bluegrass music on mandolin and guitar. Dr. Byrd dedicated his life to the growth and enrichment of the plants with which he worked, the students he taught, and his four sons. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Ferrum College Chapel, 40 Wiley Drive, Ferrum, VA 24088. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Byrd scholarship fund for Agronomy students to Ferrum College, C/O Office of Institutional Advancement, P.O. Box 1000, Ferrum, VA 24088. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service & Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.