Herbert Franklin Byrd, Jr. was born on December 26, 1953. He was the son of the late Herbert and Ruth Byrd, and the loving friend and husband for 36 years to Freda. He ascended to peace in the arms of God on Monday, December 11, 2017. 

Fondly known as Slugger, he was educated in the Accomack County Public School System. At an early age he joined Adams United Methodist Church. 

He was raised in Whitesville (Parksley), Virginia. Upon meeting and marrying his wife, Freda, he lived in Melfa for the past 36 years.  He loved his family and enjoyed being with them. He took great pleasure in loving and spoiling his grandchildren. 

Slugger, or Shakespeare, as he was called by his friends and trucking associates, was a talented musician. He played drums for the late Burley Strand and the All- Stars Band.  Years later he played drums for the Dennis Chorale Singers. He was the lead / bass guitarist and vocalist for the Voices of Thunder.  Most recently, he was the lead guitarist for the Gospel Inspirational Singers.

Shakespeare had a love for truck driving, having been a trucker for 44 years.  He instilled the love for trucking to his son, Breon, who followed in his father’s footsteps. He was employed with Moore’s Trucking.

He was affectionately called “Dad”, “Pop Pop”, “Uncle Slugger” by his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and family, whom he loved dearly.  For Slugger it was all about family.

 He was preceded in death by one daughter, Tia Byrd. He leaves to cherish his memory a loving family: his wife Freda Byrd; one son: Breon Turlington; daughters: Deon Turlington, Nekeke (Sherman) Thomas, Shakeena Rodriquez, LaShay (Brian) Sample and Tyvesha Turlington. 

15 grandchildren: Kamyri,  Ny’Asia (whom he raised in his home), Keimo, Khe’mani, McKenzie, Alexa, Alicia, LB, Brien, Ameriah, Khyleel, JaNae’, Adoree’, Brooklyn, Aubree; 5  great-grandchildren: Yuri, Yani, Aubre, Meiana, Mierra; 13 sisters-in law; 10 brothers-in-laws;  1 aunt: Mary Etta Parker; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

He will be our hearts forever and will truly be missed. 

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