Grady Gideon Byrd Jr.

grady byrd

November 25, 1938 ~ January 4, 2023

Born in: Asheville, NC
Resided in: Asheville, NC

Grady Gideon Byrd, Jr., born November 25, 1938 in Asheville, NC, to Grady and Edna Byrd, died peacefully on January 4, 2023.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his son, Grady Gideon Byrd, III (Greg), his two grandsons, Christopher Freeman Byrd and Phillip Armstrong Byrd, and his sisters Doris Byrd Parker and Carolyn Byrd Tipton,

Grady is survived by his wife of 63 years, Margaret Freeman Byrd (Peggy), his children Leslie Byrd Farquhar and husband Gordon, and Elizabeth Byrd Etheridge; grandchildren Robert Byrd, Chelsea and Jack Farquhar, Amelia and Colson Etheridge; and several special nieces and nephews.

He graduated from Christ School in 1957 and was a lifelong Greenie. After graduating from Wofford in 1961, Grady worked for Belk Hudson in Spartanburg, S.C. Upon returning to Asheville, he opened Byrd’s clothing stores and was president of Feed-Seed Supply Co.

He served on St. Genevieve’s, Asheville Country Day, and Christ School boards. He was also a past member of the Asheville Merchants Association. Grady dearly loved his wife, children, and grandchildren. He was an avid golfer and fisherman and enjoyed playing cards with his many close friends.

There will be a celebration of Grady’s life at Christ School in St. Joseph’s Chapel at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2023.

Contributions may be made to Christ School, 500 Christ School Road, Arden, NC 28704.

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family.

Services

Celebration of Life: January 7, 2023 2:00 pm

Room: St. Joseph's Chapel

Christ School
500 Christ School Rd.
Arden, NC 28704

(828)684-6232

Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Peggy – my sisters and I are so sorry for your loss. I’m happy I got to see you two at the CS event a few months ago. Please accept our deepest condolences.

  2. Prayers and thoughts for the Bryd family. The world lost a true Southern gentleman and CS lost a true Greenie. You will be missed.

  3. I will miss one of my very best friends. Asheville and Western NC would not be the same without leadership from Grady Byrd, Jr.

    Glenn W. Wilcox, Sr., 418 Vanderbilt Rd., Biltmore Forest, NC 28803
    Phone 828-253-1003

  4. I have known Grady since I was 16 years old. He gave me a job at Belks on Sat. And afternoons after school. When I came to work at BFCC he remembered me. I love Grady, he was a good friend and supporter. In 2018 he stood up for me during a difficult time. He stopped me on the Mens Grill steps and said if you need help let me know. He was a leader, not a weakly mouse like some of them. He always said what he thought and was right. I loved and admired him. My heart goes out to the Byrd family. More men should be like him. RIP Dear Grady.

  5. Peggy, Leslie and Elizabeth:
    May all your happy memories help ease the pain of your grief. Grady will be fondly remembered by those whose lives he touched and we are grateful that our lives intersected with his (in joy and pain). Roger and I are sending hugs and prayers.

  6. Dear Peggy, Leslie & Elizabeth,
    I have fond memories of Grady who was friends with my Dad and always so nice to me whenever I saw him, smiling and laughing. My heart goes out to you all! Wishing you peace during this difficult time.

  7. Leslie and Elizabeth, so sorry for your loss. I remember going to the clothing store many times back in the 70s. Prayers for you and your families.
    Doug
    (Coward Wholesale)

  8. Dear Peggy, Elizabeth, Robert and Leslie, We send our deepest condolences to you all for the passing of Grady. Greg, his son, was my best friend as he was one of my first friends I met upon moving to Asheville. Our Through Greg I got to know Grady and Peggy. Grady was often playing cards at BFCC in those days and he was always interested, kind and thoughtful. He was a straight shooter, so to speak, and you knew where he stood on things. He was always loyal to his friends and family. He will be remembered and missed by many. We will keep you all in our thoughts and prayers. Sending our love, John and Lesli

  9. Remembering Grady from his days when he had his clothing store. I always enjoyed shopping there and chatting with Grady who was always very kind and caring. My condolences to his family and friends during this difficult time.


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