Jerry Byrd III

Jerry Byrd III, affectionately known as “Man” by his family, and lovingly called “JB” by his many friends passed away on June 17, 2025, just eight days shy of his 63rd birthday. Jerry was born on June 25, 1962, in Montgomery, Alabama, to the late Jerry Byrd, Jr. and Marine Byrd (Braxton). During his childhood, the family relocated to Paterson, New Jersey, where he began building a life defined by a deep love for family. Jerry attended Elementary School No. 10 in Paterson, NJ and Clifton High School in Clifton, NJ, where his athletic talents became legendary. Nicknamed “Man” for being a “man-child” on the field and court, Jerry dominated in both basketball and football, earning the admiration of coaches and teammates. Jerry was a hardworking man who took great pride in his career. He worked for many years as an OTR serviceman, specializing in off-road and commercial truck tires—a job that became a source of personal pride and professional respect. More recently, he was employed as a driver with Hertz Corporation, where he continued to be admired for his reliability, dedication, and work ethic. In 1980, Jerry met Imra Smith, and from their union was born a daughter, Ashia Harrington (Byrd). In 1989 he met and soon after married Erica Byrd (Johnson). They began a devoted, 35-year relationship and from this union was born a daughter, Jerica J.L. Hamilton (Byrd), and a son, Jerry Jamaal Byrd. Jerry also welcomed into his heart three stepsons, Ronald R. Robinson, Jr., Tyreik J. Byrd and Shameik U. Byrd, whom he loved as his own. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry Byrd, Jr. and Marine Byrd, as well as beloved sisters, Hedy Lamar Wills and Tommie Jean Scott, Brother-in-Law, James D. Lyons, and Niece, Keya M. Lyons. Jerry leaves to mourn and cherish his memory three loving children, Ashia Harrington (Byrd), Jerica J.L. Hamilton (Byrd), and Jerry Jamaal Byrd; two Sons-in-Law, Calvin Harrington and Spencer Hamilton; three devoted stepsons, Ronald R. Robinson, Jr., Tyreik Byrd and Shameik Byrd; three sisters, Patrica Byrd, Vivian Byrd, and Indessa Wilson; three Brothers-in-Law, John Wilson, Sr., Stacy Lyons, and Richard L. Johnson, Jr.; three Sisters-in-Law, Sharon Daniels, Janice Lyons, and Shanda Johnson; six grandchildren, Najimir Mitchell, Shy'asiah Mason, Le'Niyah Harrington, Raishawn Harrington, Nevaeh Robinson, and Ny'Ella Montplaisir; eight nephews, Dedric Byrd, Jeremaih Byrd, John Wilson Jr., David Harnden, George Scott, Stacy Lyons, Jr., Tarik Thompson, Richard Tarik Garner; five nieces, “Menessa” Tanya Wilson, Jennifer Wilson, Kayvonne M. Lyons, Keisha M. Lyons, and Datrice Barksdale-Young, as well as a host of extended family, friends, and coworkers who will forever remember his sense of humor, strength, loyalty, and the unwavering love he showed to those around him. Jerry “Man” Byrd, III was more than just a nickname—he was a giant in spirit, in presence, and in heart. His life touched many and every heart that knew his kindness and strength. Rest in peace, JB. You were truly one of a kind, and your memory will live on in all of us. ~The Family

Jerry Byrd III

June 25, 1962 - June 17, 2025