Mirl Thomas Byrd, 88, of North Little Rock, Arkansas passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, November 20, 2022. Mirl was born on October 9, 1934 in Hampton, Arkansas; the son of Garland Thomas and Hattie Marie (Harris) Byrd. He married his wife Wanna Lee (Machen) Byrd on January 20, 1964, sharing 58 years of marriage. Mirl worked for more than 55 years for Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. He was a beloved employee among electric cooperatives across Arkansas and Missouri. Mirl was a member of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church of North Little Rock.
Mirl enjoyed many things in life, like checking the stock market, fishing, gardening vegetables, keeping his lawn in immaculate condition, horse races at Oaklawn (he even had a race named in his honor), Razorback football, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, and was once the Fastest Pine Tree Climber in Calhoun County. He was a generous man to his friends and family and was a friend to everyone that he met.
Mirl leaves to continue his legacy his wife Wanna Lee Byrd of North Little Rock, daughters Carrie Post and her husband Steve of Little Rock, Victoria Lamb and her husband Jon of Little Rock, his son Michael Byrd and wife Jennifer of North Little Rock, five grandchildren Brandon Steinsiek and his wife Katie, Kristen Steinsiek, Samantha Byrd, Madyson Lamb, Mason Lamb, and great granddaughter Nevaeh Miller; as well as countless friends and extended family.
Mirl is preceded in death by his parents, three brothers Ervin, Earl “Buddy”, and Burl, and four sisters Marie, Alene, Ruby and Margaret.
Honorary pallbearers are Ancel Fry, Jim Smalley, Jerry Divin, Bobby Garner, Pat Koch, Pat McClafferty, David Rainbolt,Sandra Walker, and Jackie Pickering.
Visitation will be held Friday, November 25, 2022 from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, with a Rosary Service beginning at 6:30 PM at Griffin Leggett Rest Hills Funeral Home, 7724 Landers Road, North Little Rock. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, November 26, 2022 beginning at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 7000 JFK Blvd., North Little Rock, officiated by Fr. John Wakuve. A graveside service will be held following the Mass at Rest Hills Memorial Park.
