Kaigler Nelson Byrd

Kaigler Nelson Byrd, 86 of West Columbia, husband of the late Eleanor Jane Byrd, passed away Friday, November 25, 2016. He was born on March 27, 1930 in Blythewood and a son of the late Dewey Bass and Pauline Shirey Byrd. Sadly, in April 2016 Mrs. Byrd passed away. Mr. Byrd has been a member of Grace Baptist since 1967. He has served in visitation, ushering, and various church construction projects. Mr. Byrd enjoys gardening, cooking, and spending time with family. He currently serves in unit 28 of the Disabled American Veterans. He comes from a family of 9 children. At the age of 12, he and his siblings were sent to an orphanage after the passing of their father. In 1947 he joined the army and served 3 years in Japan and 1.5 years in the Korean War. While home on leave after the war, he met the love of his life, Eleanor Jane Smith. They were married in 1952. Mr. Byrd continued his army career with his wife, and eventually their two children. He served in Africa, Germany, Fort Bragg, Fort Gordon, and in Virginia. He retired from the army in 1967. Upon retiring from the army, Mr. Byrd moved his family back to Columbia, SC. In Columbia, he worked and retired from Colonial stores. Kaigler is survived by a son, Ken Byrd (Cathy); a daughter, Jane Moseley (Willie); three grandchildren, Richard Byrd (Diana), Jenny Byrd and Amy Smith (Reid); two great-grandchildren, Jacob Byrd and Blakely Smith. In addition to his wife of 64 years and his parents he was preceded in death by 8 siblings. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, November 28, 2016 at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 29, 2016 at Grace Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Celestial Memorial Gardens.