On Jan. 12, 2017, James Michael Byrd, age 60, of Ahoskie, N.C., went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A native of Suffolk, Michael was a son of the late Vivian Byrd and Geneva Byrd Adkins. In his younger days, Michael enjoyed working for the Virginian-Pilot and Suffolk News-Herald.

Besides his parents, Michael was predeceased by a nephew, Troy Carr.

He is survived by four siblings, Brenda Anderton, of Windsor, Rosa (James) Rainey, of Conway, N.C., McCoy (Barbara) Byrd, of Suffolk, and Carolyn (Richard) Brinkley, of Suffolk; seven nieces and nephews; many great- and great-great-nieces and -nephews. He will be sorely missed by his family and by his many friends and the staff at the Ahoskie House.

Michael loved reading the Bible and quoting Scripture. He was an avid reader, a humble man, remembered for his loving, kind, gentle ways, tender spirit and smile.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017, at 1 p.m., at Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service in Ahoskie, N.C. The burial is private.

Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel, Murfreesboro, N.C., is handling the arrangements for the Byrd family. Online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.