Shane Byrd

A memorial service for Shane Byrd will be Thursday, September 5, 2024 at 3:00 PM at Sykes Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 1:30 PM until the time of service. 

Our beloved Shane was energetic, funny and full of life. He had a charming personality and smile that won the hearts of many. Shane was born in Buffalo, NY to Kimberly Shantel Fleming and Michael Derrick Byrd. He was the second oldest of 8 children, but he took on the role as the "big brother" and all of his siblings looked up to him. Shane was good-natured, generous, brave, sympathetic and understanding.

In 2008, Shane moved to Clarksville, TN, at the age of 12 years old, with his mother, oldest brother: Jordan, younger brothers: Makarri & Ah-Ra-Taza and little sisters: I-Nana & Ariana. As a young boy, Shane's desire was to live in a place where he had space to run and be free. He loved animals, and frequently took in strays because he had a caring heart. During the winter of 2007, Shane was sent on an errand to Rite-Aid for milk and returned with a 60 lb. Bull-Mastiff puppy who he affectionately named Goonie. The two were inseparable until Goonie ran away a week after the family arrived in Clarksville in June 2008.

Shane loved science, music, martial arts, movies, anime, swimming and cooking. He was an artist in every sense of the word! It was a common occurrence to hear him rap or sing, see him dance and draw pictures and ask thought provoking quuestions. Shane enjoyed writing and acting out comedy skits with his siblings, and he really liked improv. He attended New Providence Middle School from 2008-2009 then graduated in 2013 from Kenwood High.

Shane was employed at local fast-food restaurants because he was also great at eating Although food service would not be his final destination, he enjoyed what he did which allowed him to meet new people. He will always be remembered for his bright eyes and infectious laughter. His brothers and sisters will never forget his saying, "So you mad now?" They had their own language and special way of communicating. They were a tight-knit bunch and protective of one another because their family did not have much by way of material possessions. What they had was an unbreakable bond through good times and the not so good.

Shane lived on "Boot Hill" in New Providence with his brother Jordan until his disappearance in December 2015. Nobody knew when he walked out the door that day, it would be the last time he would be seen alive. We would have paid more attention, listened more closely and asked important questions. As they say, hindsight is 20/20, and we cannot turn back the hands of time. Yet, Shane is with us today to let us know he is okay. In time, we can let go of the hurt, guilt, pain and shame we might be feeling in this moment. The confirmation will be in the signs that remind us of him. May his soul rest in peace with the Heavenly Father.

Shane leaves behind his surviving parents, Kimberly (Clarksville, TN) and Michael (Jacksonville, FL), 4 brothers: Jordan Byrd (Buffalo, NY), Makarri Byrd (Clarksville, TN), Ah-Ra-Taza Byrd (Clarksville, TN), Hayden Byrd (Jacksonville, FL), 3 sisters: I-Nan (Clarksville, TN), Ariana (Clarksville, TN) and McKenzie (Jacksonville, FL), and one nephew: Kindred Byrd (Newark, DE) who he never got the pleasure to meet.

PSALM 23 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.