Jim Wilfong Byrd

He was born March 24, 1950 to the late Jack Marcus Byrd and Dannie Wilfong Byrd of El Dorado. Jim was a member of Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church. He was involved in numerous organizations in South Arkansas over the years, including the El Dorado Civil Service Commission and was a past board member of the El Dorado Golf and Country Club. Jim became a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity while attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and was a founding member of Bang Slough Deer Club. He spent the majority of his working life in sales for the local oil industry with Macmillan Oil Company and most recently for Felton Oil Company. Jim had many friends, was an avid and accomplished golfer for most of his life, enjoyed hunting and fishing, and spending the majority of his time in his final years on the Ouachita River.

Survivors include his wife, Kim Byrd of El Dorado; son, Brandon Byrd (Monica) and their children, Suzanna Haygood and Caroline Byrd of El Dorado; daughter, Catherine Gatheright (Chris) and their children, Lilly and Nora Speer, and Kalie and Tyler Gatheright of El Dorado; son, John Raab (Michelle) and their children, Brianna, Emma, and Robbie Raab of Hot Springs; daughter, Jennifer Gee (Corey) and their children, Ava and Annalynn Gee of Weatherford, Texas. Brother, Dan Byrd (Patsy) and sister, Janis Lacy both of El Dorado; sister-n-law, Rachal Davis (John) of Bentonville; brother-n-law, Chris Waters (Belinda) of Goliad, Texas; mother-in-law, Janie Waters of El Dorado. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 10:00 am at Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church, with Father Robert Wetherington officiating. Friends are invited to stay and visit with the family after the service.

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors of El Dorado, Arkansas.

Memorials may be made to St Mary's Episcopal Church, 512 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado, AR 71730.

An online guest registry can be found at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.