Greg, Christopher and Phillip Byrd
Greg and his sons Christopher and Phillip Byrd died tragically in a plane crash on May 8 in Atlanta, GA on their way to Oxford, MS. Also lost in the accident was Christopher's fiancée, Jackie Kulzer of Atlanta, GA.
Greg Byrd, 53, is survived by his parents, Peggy and Grady Byrd and his devoted partner of five years, Theresa Trebon; his son, Robert Winslow Byrd; and his sisters, Leslie Byrd Farquhar and Elizabeth Byrd Etheridge and their children. Greg, who graduated from Christ School in 1980 and attended NC State, was the owner of Tan Universe and a former deputy with the Buncombe County Sheriff's Department for 17 years. Most recently, he served as an active reserve officer.
Christopher Freeman Byrd, 27, and Phillip Armstrong Byrd, 26, are survived by their mother Hope Swicegood Byrd, their brother Robert Winslow Byrd and grandparents Peggy and Joe Swicegood and Peggy and Grady Byrd. Christopher and Phillip's aunts and uncles are Lynda and Carr Swicegood, Michele Swicegood, Leslie and Gordon Farquhar, and Elizabeth and Jonathan Etheridge. Their beloved cousins are Steven and Alexander Demetriou; Reggie King; Joseph, Andrew and Sarah Margaret Swicegood, Chelsea and Jack Farquhar and Amelia and Colson Etheridge.
Memorials in Greg's name may be made to Christ School, 500 Christ School Road, Arden NC 28704. Memorials in Christopher and Jackie's names may be made to the University of Mississippi Alumni Association, Triplett Alumni Center, PO Box 1848, University, MS 38677. Christopher and Jackie, both graduates of The University of Mississippi, were employed in Atlanta. Phillip Byrd was the owner of Curb Appeal Landscaping. Memorials in Phillip's name may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church Street, Asheville NC 28801.
The family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 PM on Sunday, May 10, 2015 at the Biltmore Forest Town Hall, 355 Vanderbilt Road, Asheville NC 28803. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, May 11, 2015 at Trinity Episcopal Church, 60 Church Street, Asheville, NC 28801.
Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian is assisting the family. A memorial guest register is available on this site for those who wish to leave condolences for the family.
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My most heartfelt condolences to the Byrd and Kulzer families.
Courtney Mumm
Praying for the family after this terrible tragedy. We live in Kennesaw, Ga and want you to know we were touched by your loss and are praying for this family
It is with deepest sadness that we learned of the loss of your loved ones. As parents we can only imagine the pain you are experiencing. Our love and prayers are with you.
Prayers and Love for your entire family. I love Phillip like a son. He will always have a very special place in my heart.
Sending prayers to the family
My most heartfelt condolences to the Byrd and Kulzer families
The Byrd and Swicegood families are in our thoughts and prayers. We are honored and blessed to have know your loved ones. Phillip was truly a blessing in our lives and we will miss him.
Chris lived next door to our daughter in Oxford. They were also Suzanna and Farley’s dear friends in Atlanta. We adored both Chris and Jackie. There are no words to convey how our family will miss them. God Bless You.
Robert, I am so so very sorry for your loss. I know we haven’t seen each other in a few years but I am praying for you every day and am here for you. Miss you and am here for you. —Chris I didn’t know very well but when I was around you you were always so kind and a real gentlemen, Phillip I haven’t seen ya in a while but have great memories hanging out with you, I know you all are in a better place but will be missed. I am still in shock that you are gone. :0( Rest In Peace
Hope, we are so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts ache. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family now and forever. Sincerely
Jan Green, Kathryn Green, and Kathy Green Drake
Our deepest condolences to both families.
Our thoughts for all of the families touched by this tragedy
Our thoughts & prayers are with the families & staff @ Tan Universe
Bill Ledford & Teresa Ledford-Burnette Owners of Le’ Tan
Hope, our thoughts, prayers heartfelt condolences are with you and all of your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with each of you, your families and friends. Sending love.
My prayers go out to this entire family. Though I don’t know the family my heart is broken for you. I lost my two sons, two grandchildren and daughter-in-law in a plane crash on December 19, 2012. I had much support from friends. Church and family but no one could begin to kntow the kind of grief I experienced. I would love to reach out to Hope Byrd if she would like me too. My email address is melissabutler54@att.net.
Hope, you and your family have been in my thoughts and prayers since hearing of your terrible loss. I will continue to keep you and your family close to my heart. With deepest sympathy….Lisa
Hope, you are in our thoughts–our hearts go out to you. Love, Glenn and Jaana
My prayers are with you all. I cleaned Peggy’s and Grady’s house from 2001-2005 I pray God will send comforted. Robin Burke
We want you to know how deeply sorry we were to hear of the accident. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
With a heavy heart I send my love and thoughts of condolences to the family. May God provide you with strength to be for each other and be surrounded by the love from others.
Love you,
Joeiana at Tops For Shoes
Hope, mine and Ron’s hearts go out to you, Robert and all of the families. Deep healing prayers for everyone.
Jeanne & Ron Sims
To the Byrd family and the Swicegoods, I am deeply sorry to hear of your loss. My heart and prayers to go out to your entire family.
Hope, I can’t find the words to say but wanted you to know that I have thought and prayed for you, Robert, your mom and dad, Elizabeth and Colson as well as all your family members over the last four days. I was with Colson in drama class when his sister came to talk with him and his friends immediately rallied to support him. The service yesterday was beautiful and uplifting and such a tribute. I am thinking of you.
A loving family lost much to soon, May God Grant them eternal rest
heal the sorrow & pain for the loves one they left!
The Salpointe Catholic High School community extends deepest sympathy to Theresa and the Byrd and Kulzer families. You are in our prayers at this very difficult time.
To Theresa, my classmate at Salpointe: I am sorry for your loss. You and your loved ones will be in my prayers.
Theresa, We send you heartfelt condolences and prayers.
God Bless you always.
When I saw this on the news my first thought was of you, Hope. As a mother of sons, my heart goes out to you. While I know I can’t begin to know your pain; I want you to know that I’m praying for you by name and will continue to pray for you as long as I draw breath. My prayer is that our God will comfort you as time unfolds. Through Him I pray He will strengthen you and infuse your soul with peace. I extend my condolences to you as well as all of your family.