Sam R. Byrd Jr., 58, died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday, December 6 following a short illness. He was the son of Barbara B. and Sam R. Byrd, Sr. He grew up in Smithfield, N.C. and attended Smithfield High School, graduating in 1969 as a member of the last class to finish. He attended NC State University graduating with a BS degree in Industrial Engineering. After working for both Sylvania and Bosch, he spent 30 years working for Siemens in the automotive industry division. He lived in cities all over the United States and spent much time traveling to countries all over the world for business. He settled in Houston, Texas in July of 2008 as Vice-President of Operations for Fiserv Inc.

Sam leaves behind his parents; his wife, Barbara; a son, Winston Byrd and his wife Elizabeth; a grandson, Sebastion Byrd; sister, Nancy B. Pearson and husband Rob; sister, Kathryn B. Remick and husband Mark; five nephews and one niece.