Raymond Lawrence Byrd

"Life is not all about how to survive the storm-

but about how to dance in the rain."

Raymond Lawrence Byrd went home to meet his Lord and Savior at age 88, on November 25 at 5:31am. Surrounded by Family and Friends at Hospice of the Carolina Foothills. Raymond Byrd was born on October 6, 1937, to the parents of Handy Menston Byrd and Arietta Crawley Byrd in Durham County. He was one of 12 children, having seven brothers, and four sisters. He went to serve the United States Airforce in 1956 after graduating High School and served four years. He was employed by REA of Davidson County up until 1971 when he surrendered to the call of ministry. He then attended Mars Hill College, and Fruitland Bible Baptist. He pastored at Mountain Paige Baptist Church (Saluda), Mills River Baptist Church (Mills River), Hicks Grove Baptist Church (Mooresboro), and Fellowship Baptist Church (Ruth). He faithfully served his Lord for 54 years.

Raymond was married to Martha Ray who served faithfully with him in his ministry. His desire for his ministry was fervency, fruitfulness, faithfulness, and fearlessness. He was an avid deer hunter, trout fisherman, artist, and farmer.

He was preceded in death by both of his parents, three sisters, and four brothers.

He is survived by his wife Martha; Randy Byrd (Vonice), Bonita Harper (Tim), Christina Wease (Todd), Frank Byrd, and Nathan Byrd (Jamie), ten grandchildren; Lauren Starnes, Job Wease, Jacob Wease, Luke Byrd, Abigail Byrd, Jonathan Byrd, Kasey Byrd, Charlize Byrd, Chadea Byrd, and Deegan Byrd; and five great-grandchildren; Madison Brooks, Maverick Hipp, Nylah Chavis, Ja'Kai Chavis, and Halona Chavis.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at Hicks Grove Baptist Church, 574 Hicks Grove Rd. Mooresboro, NC. Receiving of friends will begin at 1pm, with the funeral service to follow at 2pm. Friends and Family will officiate the service. Internment will take place at Hicks Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Eggers Funeral Home of Cliffside, NC is serving the family