James LeMarc Byrd AKA "ByrdMan" 55 of Walhalla, SC passed away on January 26th, 2025, at Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Alfred Hughes Unit in Gatesville, TX. Marc was born on November 25th, 1969, in Franklin, NC. He was the son of the late Baxter Byrd Jr. and late Amanda Martha Jane Webb (Alton Bates “Pops”).

Marc left behind many loving friends and family, including his wife, Nicole Byrd (Kopke) of Fort Worth, TX. Children Amanda Haynie of Winder, GA, Allison Byrd of Athens, GA, Andrew Richardson (Savannah) of Westminster, SC, and Catrina Byrd of Westminster, SC. Grandchildren Makayla and Makenzie Hardrick of Winder, GA, Ayriana and Lizzie Moffitt of Athens, GA, Silas Richardson of Westminster, SC and Devin De La Cruz of Commerce, Ga. Sister Rhonda McClain of Fairplay, SC. Uncle Clyde Webb of Walhalla, SC. Nieces and nephews Amanda McCracken (Josh) of Clayton, GA, Pamela Kilby (Joe) of Clayton, GA, Jordan McClain (Brea) of Seneca, SC, Samuel McClain of Easley, SC, and Jonathan Byrd of Walhalla, SC. As well as many great-nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Marc is welcomed in Heaven by many loved ones including his son and “daughter-in-law” Cody Byrd and Laura Washington, sister and brother-in-law Rebecca and Steve Moore, uncles Tillman, Paul, Lawrence, Harold Jr, Cecil, and James Webb.

Marc loved our Carolina mountains, would often talk about fishing in his many old haunts, any Harley Davidson he ever owned and any he would love to have. Reminiscing about pickin’ on Main Street and singing us any new or old songs on his mind at the time. He had many talents, including singing and playing the guitar. His passion for music was inspiring as he could play just about any instrument given to him. He always wanted to hear about or see pictures of what foods we’ve been eating “cause a fat-man’s gotta eat”. You’d get extra grins and laughs if it included his favorite, good ole Dukes Mayo.

While his life was a wild winding road, God was there with him every step. Even though Marc was sentenced to a 50-year stint in solitary confinement, God was with him and changed his heart. He was baptized on the Coffield Unit by Chaplin David Young on December 15th, 2017 and began to live for the Lord. Leading him to the GRAD program, and eventually into general population at the Hughes Unit. He loved to spread God's word and was very grateful when he was able to be a Tier Walker (a position of authority given to trusted inmates). He was proud to be able to minister and mentor many fellow inmates. He was a guiding light for God in a very dark place, going to the worst and most dangerous areas of the prison to tell inmates about Jesus.

The family is holding a memorial for Marc on February 16th, 2025, at 2pm with Chaplin David Young officiating. The memorial will be held at Pub Blue in Seneca, SC (286 Market St. Seneca, SC 29678). We welcome all friends and family to come celebrate the life of James LeMarc “ByrdMan” Byrd. After the service there will be a gathering with a limited quantity of food and drinks at the same location. The family is asking if you wish to remain after the service, to please bring a covered dish to share and bring your guitar, fiddle, banjo, or any other musical instruments that you wish.

A Facebook event will also be created for all to RSVP, so we can get an accurate account of attendees.

In lieu of flowers the family is asking for you to donate to a prison ministry that Marc loved. Mike Barber Ministries (www.mikebarber.org/give) had a special place in Marc’s heart, as you will see in a special video never played for any audience recorded just 10 days before his passing.

Online condolences may be shared at: https://everloved.com/life-of/james-lemarc-byrd/

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