Okey Taylor Byrd

Okey T. Byrd, 67, died Saturday evening June 20, 2020 following a brief illness, at McLeod Health Clarendon Hospital in Manning.

Okey was born on July 1 ^st , 1952 in Weston, West Virginia to the late Louie and Laura Byrd (McCray).  He is survived by daughters Kelley Byrd of Batesburg-Leesville and Kimberly Brodersen and her husband Jacob of Hampton; two grandchildren, Calvin Brodersen and Allison Crosby; three sisters, Nancy Hartline of Sumter, South Carolina, Noreta Montgomery and her husband Robert of Taneytown, Maryland, and Kathy Ruppert and her husband Mark of Weston, West Virginia; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Lois Ann Byrd (Gum) and his brother Robert Dennis Byrd.

In his youth, Okey was an active athlete, accomplished in track, football, and wrestling, culminating in an athletic scholarship to attend Glenville State College.  In 1971 Okey married his high school sweetheart, the love of his life, and the mother of his children, Lois.  In 1988 he relocated his family from West Virginia to South Carolina to begin what would be a long career with South Carolina Electric and Gas.  Okey was an active member of the Hampton United Methodist Church, as well as a key events organizer for the annual Hampton County Watermelon Festival.  Okey was a gentle giant, a loving father, husband, brother, and friend to everyone he met.  Many would agree, Okey never met a stranger.  To his sisters, he was their hero and protector.  "Pop" was a term of endearment used beyond his own grandchildren and family.  In retirement, Okey settled in Summerton and enjoyed lake living, spending the days fishing, boating, relaxing in his signature Crocs, and socializing with as many friends and neighbors as he could.

Funeral services will be 10 AM Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at Hampton Cemetery conducted by Rev. Ross Chellis.

Visitation will be Tuesday from 5 to 7 PM at Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home located at 300 Mulberry Street West.

The family suggests that those who wish may send memorials to Hampton Methodist Church Building Fund, PO Box 45, Hampton, SC 29924.