Dennis Nathaniel Byrd Sr. was born on September 6, 1960, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, the second youngest child of the beloved Georgia Lee Hollis and Leroy Ananias Byrd. From an early age, Dennis was full of life and talent. He had a deep love of sports, especially basketball, where he excelled, and he possessed a beautiful singing voice, a gift passed down from both of his parents. Known for his ribs, cakes, and any side imaginable, his passion for cooking was known throughout the South (and North!).

Raised in a large and close-knit family, Dennis cherished his siblings deeply. He shared lifelong bonds with Virgie, Calvin, Cat, Richard, James, and Gene, and held an especially close and unbreakable connection with his youngest sister, Tammy, a bond that lasted a lifetime.

In 1981, Dennis married the love of his life, Carla Canty. Six years later, they welcomed their only child, Dennis Nathaniel Byrd Jr. Fatherhood was the greatest joy of Dennis’s life. He was a devoted and present father, attending every band tournament, taking his son to Saturday school for the gifted, and working tirelessly to ensure his son graduated from college debt free. His pride in his son was unwavering and evident to all who knew him.

Dennis dedicated over 30 years of his professional life to Phillips Fibers, where he worked in research and development. Later in life, he pursued real estate, finding success as both an investor and an agent. No matter the role, Dennis approached his work with integrity, commitment, and care.

Anyone who met Dennis would describe him as exceptionally loving, caring, and giving. Together, Dennis and Carla opened their home and hearts to many, providing housing, support, and stability to beloved nieces and nephews including James, Quinn, Tasmere, ZZ, Tawana, and many others. Their home was a place of warmth, laughter, sleepovers, celebrations, and family gatherings.

Though Dennis has left this world too soon, his legacy of kindness, generosity, and unconditional love lives on. His spirit will continue to be remembered and honored by all whose lives he touched.