CARLISLE — William H. “Billy” Byrnes, age 83, passed away Monday, Feb. 5, 2018, at his home in Carlisle.

He was born to the late Pearl Moulder and Agustus M. Byrnes on July 15, 1934, in Claiborne County.

Mr. Byrnes will be remembered as a wonderful father to his children and a true friend to his community.  He attended Midway Church of Christ and faithfully served his church family by example, Young Men’s group leader, Board Member and Elder.

He was employed with the Mississippi Forestry Commission for 41 years at the time of his retirement. With the Forestry Commission, he served not only his home county, but the state during natural disasters, be it wildfires, hurricanes, tornados or ice storms.  As a younger man, he was called upon by the Forest Service to assist other states with natural disaster recovery. He served the farming community in Claiborne county as board member of the Farmer’s Co-op, past President and board member of Claiborne County Farm Bureau, board member for the US Department of Agriculture for the Soil Conservation Agency and the Farm Services Agency, and the Mississippi Cattleman’s Association.  More than his official capacity could ever be, he served his fellow man by example of his dedication to Christ, with his kind, gentle, giving and loving nature.

Mr. Byrnes was preceded in death not only by his parents, and stepfather, W.G. “Shorty” Greer, but a brother, Mac Byrnes; sister-in-law, Marion Byrnes, and nephew, Scott Byrnes.

He is survived by his children, Herschel Byrnes (Lonnie), Luke Byrnes (Dena), Nita Watkins (Parham), Susan McCalman (Joseph); seven grandchildren, Jenny Trouard (Stephen), Brandi Byrnes, Brittney Clune (Tommy), Hudson Byrnes, John Parham Watkins III, Evan Watkins, Amber Norsworthy (Tyler); and eight great-grandchildren; four siblings, Mary Ireland, Wiley Greer Jr., Dale Terrebonne, and Mark Greer; a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Visitation and service will be Thursday, Feb. 8, 2018, at Midway Church of Christ, located at the intersection of Midway Road and the Old Port Gibson Road in Claiborne County.

Visitation will begin at the hour of 9 a.m. followed by the service at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at the Byrnes Family Cemetery off Neal Road in Carlisle.

Pallbearers will be Hudson Byrnes, John Parham Watkins III, Evan Watkins, Barry Bourgeois, Greg Cordes, David Rigby and Tommy Clune.

Honorary pallbearers are Burton Byrnes, Alfred Byrnes, Jonathan Byrnes, James Byrnes, Steven Greer and the Men of Midway Church of Christ and the Men of the Greer Cajun Camp.

Memorial gifts may be made to Berean Children’s Home or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

The services are under the direction of Glenwood Funeral Home.