Gary "Kenny" Byrd

Ecclesiastes 3:1 "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."

A Time to Be Born:

Gary Kenneth Byrd Jr. was born in Miami on February 1, 1968, to Gary Kenneth Byrd Sr. and Retha Mae Smith.

A Time to Grow:

Affectionately known as "Kenny," he received his education in the Tattnall County School System. He attended Tattnall Elementary School in his early years and graduated from Reidsville High School in the Class of 1987. Basketball was his passion, whether playing in the gym or the backyard.

He received his spiritual upbringing at the Bethel A.M.E. Church of Reidsville Georgia, where he proudly sang and marched with his late great-grandmother (Surrena K. "Bigma" Small), late grandmother (Marjorie Byrd-Johnson), and late granddaddy Gordon "Pammy" Colwell in the Reidsville Community Choir.

A Time to Love:

Kenny cherished his beautiful wife and revered all who raised him: his unselfish grandparents, affectionate mother, and mentoring father. He had a twin-like connection with his oldest sister and proudly honored his significant brother role to his younger siblings. He also had special bonds with his aunts, uncles, cousins, and nephew. But Kenny's greatest love was for his children and his granddaughter, "Papa's Girl."

A Time to Live:

Kenny was surrounded by music from a young age, with his granddaddy playing Al Green throughout the house, his grandmother singing "Jesus, I love calling your name," and his uncle's rocking on the ones and twos. Eventually, he grew into DJ Kenlo, telling us, "We are now rocking with the one and only DJ Kenlo."

A Time to Rest:

On August 1, 2024, Kenny peacefully passed away after hearing the comforting words from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, saying, "Come unto me, all ye that are weary and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."

Kenny was welcomed into the Father's kingdom, reuniting him with his beloved daughter, Chiquanna Dijonnea Byrd.

A Time to Be Remembered:

Kenny leaves a legacy of love, hope and strength to be cherished forever by his family and friends. Wife, Kelly Byrd; Daughters: Cherokee Hulett (Isiah), Kenya and Destiny Byrd; Son, Kemon Byrd. Parents, "Pops," Dr. Gary Kenneth Byrd Sr. (Dale) and loving mother, Retha Byrd. He is also survived by Siblings: Katheria "Kathy," Antonio "Tony," Nia joi, and Yorey Byrd. Grandchildren: Ionna Hulett "Papa's Girl" and Kason Byrd, and a Special nephew, Brandon Byrd, whom he called his twin.