Byrd T. Harris, III, a devoted family man, passionate athlete, and wholehearted community member, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025, in James City County, Virginia, just four short weeks after the love of his life, Nancy, and they are now together in eternity. He was 83.
Born on December 28, 1941, in Richmond, Virginia, Byrd was the son of the late Byrd T. Harris, Jr. and Beulah Harris. He was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 61 years, Nancy Harris, and his sister, Mary Lou Patten.
Byrd’s early life was marked by a remarkable talent for sports. He proudly played in the 1954 Little League World Series as a member of the Hampton Wythe Little League team. His athletic prowess continued through Hampton High School, where he lettered in baseball, football, and basketball before graduating in 1960. He went on to attend East Carolina College, where he was a part of their NAIA national championship baseball team in 1960-1961.
His professional life saw him as a proud shipbuilder for 32 years, a career he cherished before later retiring from the Daily Press. Byrd’s lifelong love of baseball extended beyond playing; he dedicated his time to coaching Hampton’s Post 31 American Legion and Hampton Pony League teams, shaping young athletes and sharing his passion for the game.
Beyond the diamond, Byrd was a proud swim-team Dad to his daughters, Susan and Amy. In his younger years, he enjoyed bowling and golfing with his shipyard buddies. Summers often found Byrd on his boat in the Chickahominy River, gladly entertaining family and friends. Some of his most cherished memories were made hunting outdoors with his late father-in-law, Lee E. Smith.
Byrd also served his community, volunteering as a firefighter and rescue squad member at the Wythe Volunteer Fire Company Rescue Squad in Hampton, VA from the 1960s to the 1980s.
Above all, Byrd was a devoted husband and caregiver. His unwavering commitment to Nancy, especially in her final days, was a testament to their enduring love. The “icing on the cake”; for Byrd was becoming a grandfather; he absolutely adored his grandchild, Sadie.
Byrd is survived by his loving daughters, Susan L. Rabinowitz (Paul) and Amy S. Hoyt (Rick), and his cherished grandchild, Sadie Hoyt. He also leaves behind his sister, Anne Knight (Earl); brother-in-law, George Patten; niece, Leslie Ghoneim (Nazar); and nephew, Gary Patten, Sr.
The family extends their sincere gratitude to Donna Amole, a longtime family friend, the caregivers at Reflection of Christ Home Health Care, and the Heartland Hospice team, whose presence during Byrd and Nancy’s final days offered peace, comfort, and dignity.
In his memory, the family would like to raise funds for Hampton Wythe Little League.
A memorial service to celebrate Byrd’s life will be announced by the family at a later time.
