Coach Wayne Byrd

Coach Wayne Dan Byrd, 87, of Columbus, MS, passed away March 22, 2026, at Baptist Memorial Hospital- GT in Columbus, MS.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, March 25, from 9:30 A.M. to 11:00 A.M. at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. Funeral Service will be on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at 11:00 A.M. at Lowndes Funeral Home, Columbus, MS. Interment will follow at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Columbus, MS, with Lowndes Funeral Home directing.

Coach Byrd was born January 29, 1939, in Coahoma County, MS, to the late Ike Byrd and Effie Allen Byrd. He coached girls' basketball for 44 years, including at Benoit High School, New Hope High School, East Mississippi Community College, Bellmont High School, the University of North Alabama, and Neshoba County High School. While at the University of North Alabama, he was a Hall of Fame Coach, Gulf South Conference Coach of the Year 3 times, reached the Final Four in 1994, and still has the record as the winningest coach. Coach Byrd’s genuine care for his athletes changed so many lives for the better. He was also an umpire for numerous Little League World Championships over the years. Coach Byrd was an avid hunter, especially coon and squirrel hunting. In addition to his parents, Coach Byrd is preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Byrd; brothers- James, Wilburn, R.F., and Odis Byrd, and sister Honer Mae Weems.

Coach Byrd is survived by his children- Jerry (Cindy) Byrd, Sharon (Derrick) Parnell, Robert (Katy) Byrd, and chosen family- Robin Elmore; sister- Dovie Cook; brother- E.L. Byrd; grandchildren- Erin Morrison, Jeremy Byrd, Jessica Bordelon, Mary Kathryn Thrash, Joshua Parnell, Jordan Byrd, Alex Byrd, August Morrison, Trey Parnell, Price Byrd, Pressley Byrd, and Peyton Byrd, 12 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be- Jeremy Byrd, Jordan Byrd, Alex Byrd, August Morrison, Trey Parnell, and Price Byrd. Honorary Pallbearers will be all former players.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimers Association, Mississippi Chapter, 207 W. Jackson Street, Suite F, Ridgeland, MS 39157.