Former Jackson County Sheriff Mike Byrd dies of COVID-19
Mike Byrd, who served four terms as Jackson County sheriff, died on his 71st birthday Thursday after a battle with COVID-19.
Byrd had been on a ventilator at an Alabama hospital. His wife, Terry Byrd, his daughters and family were with him.
The father, husband and veteran law enforcement officer began his career at the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office and he later worked at the Moss Point and Gautier police departments before he ran for sheriff, beating longtime incumbent Pete Pope.
Byrd was crushed by the death of his only son, Pascagoula Police Officer Terry Micheal Byrd, in a motorcycle accident in March 2006. He often cried when he spoke of his son’s death and said his own life would never be the same.
“Heaven gained another angel today!,” Byrd’s daughter, Kim Byrd Giacone wrote in a public Facebook post Thursday evening. “My daddy passed away about an hour ago! He is with Jesus and my brother Micheal now! I can only imagine how awesome their reunion was!”
Byrd resigned from office in late 2013 before pleading to state and federal crimes.
Despite his fall from grace, Byrd was known as a devout Christian, gospel singer, good friend and devoted family man.
“Mike had the greatest personality,” said Circuit Clerk Randy Carney. “Every time I saw him, he would hug my neck. Mike would tell me, ‘Man, if you need anything, just let me know,’ He had a great sense of humor.”
Byrd loved hunting, fishing
Byrd grew up in a law enforcement family.
As a child in the 1960s, he spent time watching his father, the late Cecil Byrd Sr., at work as Jackson County sheriff.
Mike Byrd often talked about the times he spent at the Sheriff’s Office watching his father work.
Mike Byrd’s son became the third generation in law enforcement when he joined the Pascagoula Police Department.
“He was a strong family man,” current Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell said. “He served the community for many years and did a lot of good things. He leaves behind a loving family.”
Sheriff sang the gospel in his office
Byrd loved to sing the gospel.
When he was sheriff, he could often be found in his office singing “Amazing Grace” through his sound system. He also sang other hymns, practicing for church appearances and the annual Jackson County Gospel Sing, which he founded.
Since his time in office, Byrd has worked as a volunteer at his church and for charities. He spent a lot of time hunting and fishing, too.
Byrd grew up on Black Creek in the Helena community.
His family more recently lived in Hurley, where residents often saw Byrd riding around in an antique police car that was given to him in memory of his son.
This story was originally published November 5, 2020 at 7:03 PM.
