Obituary: James Wayne Byrd

James Wayne Byrd, paint company executive and beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, and grandfather, passed away on July 29 at the age of 76. Born on Dec. 20, 1947, in Macon, Wayne dropped out of Middle Georgia College to enlist in United States Army, serving in the Vietnam War during the Tet Offensive (1967-68). He valued his service highly, attaining the rank of Sergeant and serving as a paratrooper in the 101st Airborne Division. He earned the Bronze Star and many other military honors and commendations.

After his discharge, Wayne moved to Atlanta, where he met and married Elaine Pachter in 1972. Wayne and Elaine enjoyed an uncommonly close, loving marriage for over 52 years. Wayne converted to Judaism at the Ahavath Achim Synagogue and years later became a Bar Mitzvah. In his 40-plus years in the paint industry, Wayne won numerous sales awards and commendations, selling millions of dollars in paint. He enjoyed mentoring other salespeople. However, his most cherished role was being a husband and father. He was a constant presence in his children’s lives, coaching sports teams and offering his distinct brand of quiet fatherly wisdom.

Wayne was loved by his friends and family for his patience, kindness, and laid-back demeanor. Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, Thera Ann and Vernon Byrd, and his in-laws, Louis and Lillian Pachter. He is survived by his wife, Elaine, his sons, Brian and Jeff, daughter-in-law, Marketa, grandsons, Jack and Danny, brother and sister-in-law, Frank and Susan, and niece, Kelly Alexander, her husband Andrew Davidson.

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A funeral service will be held on Aug. 1, 2024, 10:00 a.m., at Dressler’s Jewish Funeral Care, 3734 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd, Atlanta, GA 30341. Donations in honor of Wayne Byrd may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: www.michaeljfox.org.