Junius Oliver Byrd

Junius Oliver Byrd, known to most as "Buster", departed this life on Tuesday, January 29, 2013 at his home with his family. Junius was a beloved man known for his infectious laughter, his genuine smile, and his love for family.

He was born on October 29, 1950 in Caroline county to the late John and Alice Byrd. He attended King and Queen County Public School. He joined First Mount Olive Baptist Church of Newtown at an early age. He was joined in holy matrimony with his lifelong sweetheart, Mary Alice Taylor, on January 28, 2013. Junius was blessed with one son, Mark Allen Taylor, and a beloved step-son, Alexander Taylor, whom he took as his own.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Oliver Byrd and Alice B. Taylor.

Junius' life was rich in adventure. He spent several years of his youth playing minor league baseball. Even though his love for the ball game took him on grand trips, he always made time for family. In later years, he worked many years in construction in Northern Virginia. He loved baseball, Gunsmoke, Bananza, and WWE wrestling. Junius mind was sharp as a tack. He was a fountain of knowledge regarding places, family history, and anything you wouldn't think to know, he would come up with the answer.

He leaves to cherish fond memories: his wife, Mary Alice Byrd of Tappahannock; two sons, Alexander Taylor (Valerie) and Mark Allen Taylor (Amanda) all of Tappahannock; four sisters, Parthenia Arlene Byrd (George), Alice Regina Baker (Charles), Pearl Ardell Taylor (Jessie) all of Tappahannock, and Beverly Byrd Young of Caroline; two brothers, John Quincy Byrd (Beverly) and Carl Demetress Byrd (Viola) all of Tappahannock; three aunts, Adell Alsop of Newtown, Louise Hickman and Ida Pierce of Bowling Green; two grandchildren, Alexander Taylor and Aliyah Taylor, and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.