Howard Estes Byrd, 91, of Columbia, died at home Thursday, June 26, 2014. Born in Batesburg, SC, on January 20, 1923, he was a son of the late Rufus E. Byrd and Fannie Baber Byrd. A WWII veteran of a US Army Railroad Battalion, he served in the Pacific Theater. Mr. Byrd worked for more than 42 years with Norfolk Southern Railway, and was a lifetime member and Master Mason in Earlewood Masonic Lodge #371. Howard was also a member of Shandon United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth "Lib" Marvin Byrd; son, Richard H. (Rosemary) Byrd of Hopkins; daughter, Dr. Mary B. (Dr. Thomas) Brown of Gainesville, FL; grandchildren, Dr. Thomas A. (Taylor) Brown, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL, Peter A. "Drew" (Elizabeth) Byrd of Columbia, and Christopher B. (Catherine) Byrd of Pawley's Island. In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by 5 sisters and 5 brothers.

The memorial service for Mr. Byrd will be held 11 o'clock, Tuesday, July 1st, at St. James United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service in the church parlor.

Memorials may be made to St. James United Methodist Church, 3390 Pine Belt Rd, Columbia, SC 29204.