Verdie "Buddy" Byrd of Troy died Wednesday, November 7, 2012, at the age of 81. Funeral services will be 3:00 P.M. Saturday, November 10, 2012, at Abundant Life United Pentecostal Church, 4903 Midway Drive, Temple with Rev. Robert Carter officiating. Interment will follow in Temple Garden of Memories in Temple under the direction of Cole Chapel of Moody.Mr. Byrd was born September 15, 1931, in New Mexico, the son of the late Frank and Willie Mae (Burns) Byrd. At an early age, he moved to the Uvalde a Leakey areas of Texas where he attended school. On July 26, 1958, he married Earlene Coleman in Ballinger, Texas. Much of his life was spent as a truck driver. He was more recently employed 7-Up Bottling Company in Temple. After devoting twenty-five years to the truck driving profession, he retired in 1993. In his spare time, he enjoyed working on old cars and listening to Blue Grass music. Also preceding him in death was a grandson, Vince Daniels three brothers, Louis Lowell Byrd, Charles Clifton Byrd, Elvin "Ray" Byrd; a sister, Hertha Fay Byrd-Chisolm.Survivors include his wife of 54 years; a son Harold Wayne Byrd and wife Jane of Kempner, three daughters, Janice Haas and husband William of Eddy, Frances Daniels and husband Cecil, Rebecca Zahn and husband Cord both of Temple; two brothers, J.L. Byrd of Temple, Elmer Byrd of Cameron; a sister Louise Warren of Olney; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.