Ernest Carroll Byrd

Ernest Carroll Byrd Jr., age 70, a lifetime resident of Warren, died Sunday, January 15, 2017 at St. John Macomb Hospital in Warren, Michigan. Mr. Byrd was born July 4, 1946 in a house in Pickwick, Tennessee, son of the late Ernest Carroll Byrd Sr. and the late Jessie Ruth (nee: Milender) Byrd. At the young age of two, Ernie arrived on a train with his mother to meet his father who had previously moved to Michigan for employment at the Ford Motor Company ahead of the family's eventual relocation.Ernie was raised in Warren, Michigan and graduated from Lincoln High School. It is there that he would meet, and eventually marry, his high school sweetheart, Susan K. Lloyd. Ernie continued his education and eventually graduated from Wayne State University and became a lifelong educator ultimately retiring as a assistant principal in the Dearborn School district. While working as an educator, Ernie coached Football, Wrestling, and Softball. Throughout his career, Ernie worked in several school districts including Warren Lincoln Schools, Rochester Schools, Howell Schools, Adrian Schools, and finally Dearborn where he retired as an assistant principal. A lifetime educator, Ernie was always learning and teaching anyone he was able to educate or coach. Before there was Google there was Ernie Byrd, your go-to information source. When Ernie was not working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping. He had a love of the outdoors and spending time with family and friends. Quiet time for Ernie was usually spent reading his beloved westerns and books of historical value, which ultimately made Ernie a great storyteller. Throughout his life, Ernie loved sports and competition with wrestling being his favorite sport to watch,...closely followed by football and then baseball. He Loved his Michigan Wolverines and the Detroit Tiger's baseball team. Ernie never left home without wearing his Maize and Blue block "M" hat. Time away from Michigan, Ernie loved to travel. As a history buff, while traveling with his family, he would stop at almost every historical marker to take in the significance, the scenery, and historical value, again educating his family. The family traveled during many summers out East, or out West, but most often down South. The family would make their annual spring break trip to Florida where Ernie cherished his time by the ocean flying kites on the beach.Although born in Tennessee and proud of his southern heritage, Ernie was more proud of his Michigan upbringing and the state's heritage. He was so proud of the Detroit area and its rich history, and always found great joy in taking family and friends from out of town on tours of Detroit and Windsor, Canada during their visits. Being an educator provided Ernie and his family time off in the summers which were spent in the Caseville and Port Austin areas. When able, Ernie also visited the Upper Peninsula of Michigan as much as he could.Mr. Byrd will be remembered as a loving family man who was devoted to his family. Above all, Mr. Byrd was devout in his faith and loved the Lord our Savior, Jesus Christ. He walked the path Christ laid out for him and gave of his God given talents to many. He taught Sunday School for many years at Warren Woods Church of the Nazarene and supported many church initiatives. Ernie was extremely generous of his time, money, and talents. Ernest Carroll Byrd Jr. was the beloved husband of Susan Byrd and was the loving father of David (Jennifer) Byrd and Matthew (Audrey) Byrd. He was the dear brother of Patricia (Keith) Bliemaster, Ellen (David) Coursey, and the cherished grandfather of Elizabeth, Michael, and Abigail. Visitation for Mr. Byrd will be held Wednesday, January 18th from 5-9 pm and Thursday, January 19th from 2-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Rd. at Common (12 ½ Mile Rd.) in Warren. Mr. Byrd will lie in state Friday, 10:30 am at The Woods Church (formerly Warren Woods Church of the Nazarene), 14300 E. 13 Mile Road in Warren, until time of the Funeral Service at 11:00am. Please share memories of Ernie at his memory book above.