COLUMBIA, S.C. — "Buddy" L Maurice Byrd Sr., 80, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on Oct. 24, 2014.

The family will receive friends at 1:30 p.m. Sunday with the service immediately following at 2:30 pm at the Elmwood Church of God, Pastor Byron Powers and the Rev. Reese Byrd officiating. Full military honors and interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Buddy was born on Dec. 28, 1933, in Dillon, South Carolina, to the late Williamson Albert Byrd Sr., and Leatha Owens Byrd. He retired from the US Air Force in 1973 as an E-6 Tech Sergeant. A graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Funeral Service, he became a licensed mortician in 1974. He is also a retiree from the US civil service, VA WJB Dorn Medical Center, and the State of SC/USC Medical School.

Buddy is predeceased by his son, Dennis Byrd, two brothers, Adley Byrd and Bill Byrd and his sister, Evelyn Mew. He is survived by his wife, Dotty Byrd; his sons "Reese" L Maurice (Ann) Byrd Jr., and Larry (Sandra) Byrd; his daughters LaMonika (Phillip) Davis and Dorothy (Gary) Hollis; grandchildren and great-grandchildren and three brothers, Jerry, B. T., and Bobby Byrd.

Buddy cared for others. While on staff at the VA Hospital, during inclement weather, he was a volunteer driver who picked up other staff members, safely transporting them to and from the VA hospital so patients could be properly cared for. He attended the Elmwood Avenue Church of God since 1977 where he served as usher and food pantry volunteer.

Buddy's passion was taking care of his family. He was gifted in hospitality and was a "giver" who made this world a kinder, sweeter place to live. By his example, he taught his family how to love others. He will be missed beyond measure by his family, friends, and coworkers.

He and his family wish to thank all of his caregivers and medical staff (especially Diane Williams and Stacie Brown of Caring in Mind; VA Home Primary Care: Dr. Bruce Easterling, Dayna Mason; the VA Blue Team, Helping Hands Adult Daycare Center, and Rest Assured Hospice Team) for truly caring and making his life more comfortable. To his family, friends, and Elmwood COG family: you will never know how much your love, prayers, calls, cards, and hugs have meant especially during the last few years. Buddy's love lives on in each of us; it was his wish that one day, we will all be together again in heaven with the Lord.

Memorials may be made to the Elmwood Church of God, 1427 Elmwood Ave, Columbia, South Carolina, 29201. Online condolences may made at www.Thompsonsfuneral.com.

The family has entrusted Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn Memorial Park, 845 Leesburg Road, Columbia, South Carolina, 29209 with the final arrangements.