Funeral service for Mr. Byrd will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, January 27, 2021, at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation is from Noon until the time of service.

Mr. Louis Cortez Byrd of Brookhaven, MS, at the age of 82, entered the gates of Heaven on Saturday, January 23, 2021. On December 6, 1938, he was born to the late Louis “Tuck” Byrd and Gladys Watts Byrd.

Mr. Cortez Byrd was a graduate of West Lincoln Attendance Center and attended Mississippi State University. After leaving MSU, he began a life-long career in the forest products industry. Through his many years of hard work and dedication, he not only successfully grew his businesses, but also touched many lives along the way. He was a long-time member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where he served as a faithful deacon for many years.

Mr. Byrd was a vital part of the Brookhaven community, both personally and professionally. Two of his greatest legacies are his faith in Jesus Christ and his love for his family. “Papaw Cortez” was a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great-grandfather, who will be so dearly missed by his family and life-long friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his in-laws, Clint and Virgie Ruth Lofton; and only a few short months ago, his high school sweetheart and the love of his life for 63 years, Barbara Ann Lofton Byrd. Also preceding him were his brother-in-law, Fleet Lofton, and great-nephew, Russ Michael Mangold.

Those left to cherish his memory are son Terry Byrd, wife Liz; and daughter Tonya Stewart, husband Gary. He is also survived by his four grandchildren, Kelli Miller, husband Hal; Kolby Byrd, wife Karlee; Clint Stewart, wife Elizabeth; and Caroline Stewart. Additional blessings are his great-grandchildren, Maggie and Olivia Miller, Knox Byrd Stewart, Adalynn Byrd and baby girl Stewart, due in May; one brother, Bruce and wife Mary Davis; sister-in-law, Martha Lofton; and a host of nieces and nephews.

With our deepest appreciation, the family would like to say a very special thank you to Dr. Ray Montalvo and Dr. Michael Stewart. We are also grateful to the nurses and staff at King Daughters Medical Center for the impeccable love and care given to our beloved Daddy and Papaw. The family also wishes to thank the many past and present employees of Mr. Cortez Byrd that have faithfully worked with him throughout the years.

Memorials may be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. 2162 Old Hwy 84 W, Brookhaven, MS 39601.

Condolences and other information are available online at www.riverwoodfamily.com.