Byrd, Johnnie Bryars

He lived his entire life in Brewton, Alabama. He graduated from T.R.Miller High School and was Valedictorian of his class. He served as aCongressional page to Lister Hill, Washington, DC. When he returned toBrewton, he worked for C.J. Davis Grocery for several years. He opened asmall grocery store about 1935 and with its success, he opened a secondgrocery and market. Both werre enlarged and a third store opened inGreenville, Alabama.

Johnnie Bryars Byrd volunteered for the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served as aNaval pilot, Pensacola, Florida, during WWII with the rank of Lieutenant. At the conclusion of WWII, he returned to Brewton, Alabama. He servedfor two terms on the Brewton City Council and was a Charter Member of theBrewton Lions Club. He continued in his grocery business and he was verysuccessful. After may years, he sold his stores to the Piggly Wigglychain and entered the real estate business managing sales and rentalsuntil his retirement. He died in 1998 and was survived by his wife of 57years, 3 children, and 5 grandchildren.--written by Jay Byrd