Obituary for Willie Byrd III
Willie Byrd, III entered the presence of the Lord on Tuesday, March 7, 2023. He was born in Washington, D.C. on May 4, 1954, to the late Mamie Geraline Byrd and Willie Byrd, Jr. He was the 6th child of 8 children and the 1st born son. He was affectionately known as Billy by his family and friends. For most of Billy’s life, he grew up on Emerson Street N.W. He was educated in the Washington D.C. school system where he attended Job Barnard Elementary School, Rabaut Jr. High School and graduated in 1973 from Theodore Roosevelt High School. Billy was a proud Roosevelt Rough Rider and played on the football team. After high school, Billy attended Bowie State University.
Billy entered the job market as a young boy by delivering newspapers for the Washington Post. He had an affinity for cars and trucks and later made a living driving for Trailways and other commercial bus companies. He took pride in his impeccable driving skills and boasted he was the best in the business. In the early 1990’s he began driving tour buses for Tourmobile. He later began driving buses for Metro where he worked until a severe back injury forced him to retire.
Billy met Dolwin Rush in the 1980’s. From this union, Willie Rush, Beatrice Rush and Jerry Rush were born. He became the father of a blended family which included Karla Ellis and Gary Rush.
Billy accepted Jesus Christ at a young age and rededicated his life at New Beginnings Community Church (NBCC) on March 5, 2006. He enjoyed chaperoning his children on youth retreats sponsored by NBCC. He also frequently attended the Sunday morning Bible study classes.
His favorite pastimes were playing cards, cooking a big batch of mussels & shrimp, and spending the entire day with his children and grandchildren at amusement parks. He was a fair-weather Washington Redskin/Commanders fan since oftentimes the disappointing losses were just too much to bear! (LOL) He enjoyed listening to all genres of music , however, music of the ‘70s and ‘80s soothed his soul.
His grandchildren were the light of his life. Spending quality time with them was the highlight of his day, especially after a long and grueling day at work. He made time to babysit and prepare their favorite meals and snacks. He was a very sweet and generous grandpa. Always willing to share his food and treats with them, even his coveted roasted salted peanuts. (lol) Billy loved his family. He looked forward to the holiday dinners and impromptu family gatherings. His fondest memories were the Sunday dinners hosted by his Mom at the family home on Emerson Street. With so many children, grandchildren and occasionally neighbors and friends, the dinners became an instant feast and party. Playing board games, sharing the latest dance moves (SOUL TRAIN LINE), and stretching out on the floor falling asleep afterward, was the perfect ending to a fun-filled day. Billy treasured and admired his Mom. Her unconditional love and support shepherded him through his toughest times in life. She was everything to him! During his final days, he expressed how much he missed her and appreciated all that she did for him. Surrounded by his children and listening to his favorite song “Outstanding” by the GAP band, a smile came over his face as he transitioned to his eternal home. The beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend will be truly missed.
He leaves to mourn his children, Willie Rush, Beatrice Rush, Jerry Rush; his bonus children Karla Ellis and Gary Rush; his grandchildren, Jordan Lewis and Daniella Rush-Solano; his sisters, Martez Baker, Yvette Sutton (Elijah), Geraline “Valli” Nulan (Darrell), Aritha Francine Byrd, Denise Carter, Danita Clark (Wesley); his brother, Wayne Byrd and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents’ (Willie and Mamie Byrd).
Billy entered the job market as a young boy by delivering newspapers for the Washington Post. He had an affinity for cars and trucks and later made a living driving for Trailways and other commercial bus companies. He took pride in his impeccable driving skills and boasted he was the best in the business. In the early 1990’s he began driving tour buses for Tourmobile. He later began driving buses for Metro where he worked until a severe back injury forced him to retire.
Billy met Dolwin Rush in the 1980’s. From this union, Willie Rush, Beatrice Rush and Jerry Rush were born. He became the father of a blended family which included Karla Ellis and Gary Rush.
Billy accepted Jesus Christ at a young age and rededicated his life at New Beginnings Community Church (NBCC) on March 5, 2006. He enjoyed chaperoning his children on youth retreats sponsored by NBCC. He also frequently attended the Sunday morning Bible study classes.
His favorite pastimes were playing cards, cooking a big batch of mussels & shrimp, and spending the entire day with his children and grandchildren at amusement parks. He was a fair-weather Washington Redskin/Commanders fan since oftentimes the disappointing losses were just too much to bear! (LOL) He enjoyed listening to all genres of music , however, music of the ‘70s and ‘80s soothed his soul.
His grandchildren were the light of his life. Spending quality time with them was the highlight of his day, especially after a long and grueling day at work. He made time to babysit and prepare their favorite meals and snacks. He was a very sweet and generous grandpa. Always willing to share his food and treats with them, even his coveted roasted salted peanuts. (lol) Billy loved his family. He looked forward to the holiday dinners and impromptu family gatherings. His fondest memories were the Sunday dinners hosted by his Mom at the family home on Emerson Street. With so many children, grandchildren and occasionally neighbors and friends, the dinners became an instant feast and party. Playing board games, sharing the latest dance moves (SOUL TRAIN LINE), and stretching out on the floor falling asleep afterward, was the perfect ending to a fun-filled day. Billy treasured and admired his Mom. Her unconditional love and support shepherded him through his toughest times in life. She was everything to him! During his final days, he expressed how much he missed her and appreciated all that she did for him. Surrounded by his children and listening to his favorite song “Outstanding” by the GAP band, a smile came over his face as he transitioned to his eternal home. The beloved father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend will be truly missed.
He leaves to mourn his children, Willie Rush, Beatrice Rush, Jerry Rush; his bonus children Karla Ellis and Gary Rush; his grandchildren, Jordan Lewis and Daniella Rush-Solano; his sisters, Martez Baker, Yvette Sutton (Elijah), Geraline “Valli” Nulan (Darrell), Aritha Francine Byrd, Denise Carter, Danita Clark (Wesley); his brother, Wayne Byrd and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents’ (Willie and Mamie Byrd).