On March 31, 1998 loving son, Herman J. Byrd II, (Joey) was born to proud parents Gloria Arlene (Gethers) Byrd and Herman J. Byrd in Fairfield, Ohio. Joey was curious as a child who always read, loved the outdoors and shared his special kisses "only" with his mother Gloria. When Joey was just three years old, Gloria became challenged with cancer; and by the time he was five years old, she lost that battle. Recognizing Joey's heartbreak and pain, Herman devoted his life to fully parenting Joey and even coached him in team sports. Joey began his education at Summit Country Day School in Cincinnati, Ohio where he learned about Christ and began to build his character through Christian teaching. He loved school, his teachers, friends and was introduced to playing soccer. After transferring to the Lakota School district in West Chester, Ohio, he later played the position of running back (#36) for the Lakota Tomahawks football team which won the Division Championship. Joey's wide personal interest ranged from playing piano to swimming. His particular love of swimming led him him to become the anchor swimmer on the Wetherington Waves swim team. He was so accomplished on the 4x100 relay team that he was recognized as an exceptional and gifted athlete, and even set the Wetherington Country Club Record where his name can still be seen as the record setter. As he became older his interest for golf was sparked while watching his Dad play golf and riding with him on the golf cart. When he was able to swing a club he began playing on the Wetherington Golf Team. His thirst for activity continued to grow and he enrolled in Taekwondo under Master Parks. During his training Joey received his 1st and 2nd degree Black Belts. He excelled at everything he sought to explore. In 2009, Joey along with his father relocated to Dayton, Ohio to live closer to his older sister Courtney and his brother/nephew Sean Ryan and other family members. There he attended and graduated from Valerie Arms Elementary school before enrolling in the Dayton Early College Academy (DECA). His interest in martial arts continued when he enrolled in Shotokan Japanese karate with Sensei Melanie Smith and Sensei Lisa Weston. He also played quarterback for the Dayton Falcons, lead the team to a 14-2 record and championship. Joey ran track for the Dayton Wolverines, played football with Meadowdale High School and played on the Stivers soccer team, winning the DPS (Dayton Public School) championship. His long term goal was to become a lawyer and he spent every week in the summer at the University of Dayton's Law Program for gifted and selected students. He participated in mock trials, studied Tort Law, analyzed cases and debated with vigor and skill. His potential was limitless. Joey was a kind young man with a playful heart. He loved sharing special times with friends and family, eating out and keeping up with the latest movies. He enjoyed computer games, challenges and competition. He left us with fond memories of great times and meaningful one on one family talks at the kitchen table. Always in our hearts, Joey's love and spirit will be our strength and live forever. Father, Herman J. Byrd and step-mother Marva L. Anderson Byrd, sister, Courtney M. Byrd, special uncle/brother Sean Ryan Byrd, special nieces Shanesha R. Byrd and Shamika R. Byrd of Dayton, Ohio; grandmother, Evelyna Gethers, of Moncks Corner, South Carolina, aunts Lorene (Byrd) Codner-O'Neal (John O'Neal)of Greenville, Mississippi, Enda (Byrd) Bowen of Brooklyn, New York, Betsy A. Byrd of Florence, South Carolina, uncles, Jerome Gethers of Columbia, South Carolina, Wilbur Gethers (Caritha) of Ladson, South Carolina, Michael Gethers (Margarita) of Ashburn, Virginia and Douglas Gethers (Ruby) of Alexandria, Virginia,; and a host of other loving family and friends. Joey was preceded in death by his loving Mother Gloria A. (Gethers) Byrd and loving maternal grandparents David and Pola Gethers of Moncks Corner, South Carolina.

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