John Otis Byrd, Jr., 83, transitioned over to God on August 25, 2018. John was born in Alamance County on October 15, 1934 to the late John Otis Byrd, Sr. and Lementoria  "Toby" Burnette Byrd.

John married Doretha Daye his soulmate on Valentine's Day, February 14, 1959. He transferred the spirit of love to his community. "J.O." as he was affectionately known, had a classic sense of fashion that was well known throughout Winston Salem, NC.

John was a man of hospitality that made people happy with his quick wit. He was the connection, the gap filler. He stood in solidarity with the people he gathered with at McDonalds and Bojangles.

John's legacy will be continued by his soulmate, Doretha Daye Byrd; children, Rick Byrd (Nancy) of the city, James Springs, Sr. (Vera) of Charlotte, NC, Keith Byrd, Sr. (Vicki) of the city, and Vonda Byrd-Flynt (James) of Stokesdale, NC; his brother, Richard A. (Lillie) Byrd; and a host of other relative and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 12noon Saturday, September 1, 2018 at Macedonia Worship Center, 500 Kinard Dr. W-S, NC. Interment will follow in Parklawn Memorial Park. The family visitation will be held from 11:00am until 12noon on Saturday at the Church.