Ollen Charles Byrd
July 23, 1937 - July 2, 2025
Ollen Charles Byrd, 87, of Glade Spring, Virginia, passed away peacefully at his home on July 2, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on July 23, 1937, in Fries, Virginia, to Ollen and Kate Byrd, both of whom preceded him in death. Charles was also preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Linda Bond Byrd, and their infant son, Timothy Curtis. Together, Charles and Linda leave behind a legacy of love, service, and devotion to family and community.
Surviving family members are his son, Tony Charles Byrd and his fianc茅 Jessica Cox; his granddaughter, Kelli Byrd Delsorbo and husband Jayson Delsorbo; his grandson, Cory Charles Byrd and wife Katie Herrmann Byrd; and four beloved great-grandchildren: Ella and Anna Delsorbo, and Brynlee and Oliver Byrd. Charles is survived by his in-laws; Darlene Bond Rowland, Junior Bond, Helen Bond Lyons and husband Roger, Shirley Bond Griffin, and Nippy Bond, along with many nieces and nephews. He is survived by his cherished partner, Nancy Brown; her son David Brown and wife Katy Brown; her daughter Amanda Brown Martinez; and Nancy's grandchildren. Lastly, Charles is survived by Prince Coleman, his beloved best friend of 60 years.
Charles was a lifelong member of Byars-Cobb United Methodist Church, where he worshiped, served, and supported the church's mission and congregation with deep commitment. Charles was a member of the Abingdon chapter of Gideons International, a body of believers dedicated to making the Word of God available to everyone and, together with the local church, reaching souls for Christ. He found great joy in being part of a community of believers and serving others in the name of Jesus, as his faith was a cornerstone of his life and legacy.
Charles believed in hard work and dedication to people and his profession. He was a vocational teacher, a builder, a contractor, and an avid and wise business man. Along with Don Goff, Charles started Byrd and Goff Construction in 1971. He later acquired the company, because of Don's failing health but they remained close friends until Don's death. Byrd and Goff Construction became one of the largest commercial masonry contractors in the southeast, doing projects over five states, with offices in Glade Spring VA, 色多多 VA, Newport News VA, and Raleigh NC. In addition to his construction company, in the early 1980's, Charles became a principal in BLH Corporation, a partnership between Charles Byrd, Charles Lowry and Hammond Hunt. Charles oversaw the construction of Quail Run Condominiums, a 46 unit project in Bristol, VA and the Bristol House, an 87 unit assisted living facility, also in Bristol, currently operating as Brookdale Bristol. Charles was a principal in Hunt & Associates as Vice President and Director of Construction, where he was responsible for the construction of 20 elderly apartment projects, 824 units, in Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina and North Carolina. Charles was also Vice President and Director of Construction for Hunt Assisted Living, an affiliated company, and was responsible for the construction of 36 Assisted Living and Memory Care facilities in North Carolina,Virginia and South Carolina.
Charles believed in his community and in working hard to support and improve the health and happiness of his people. Charles believed in solid and committed leadership and served on the Washington County Board of Supervisors, Washington County School Board, Industrial Development Authority Board, Washington County Planning Commission, Virginia Masonry Council, and Glade Spring Town Council.
Charles enjoyed adventure and learning about the people and cultures of other countries. He loved traveling and exploring with his friends and family. In his lifetime, he visited over 80 countries and all 50 states.
Charles loved God and his family and friends beyond himself. He had a heart for others and a love of service and hard work. His life was marked by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering dedication to those he loved and his community. His family and friends will forever remember his warm laugh, keen wisdom, and giving spirit. As many people have expressed their condolences, "Charles was one of the best men I've ever known".
Pallbearers for Charles are Steve Lester, Keith Nunley, Cory Byrd, Jason Delsorbo, Dwain Lyons and Lee Brannon. Honorary pallbearers are David Scyphers, Tim Webb, Dennis Owens, Estell Davis, Teddy Price and Wayne Austin.
Visitation will be from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Thursday, July 10, 2025, at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA. Funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Daniel Garrett officiating. Entombment will follow at Serenity Gardens Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to honor Charles and his commitment to the mission and vision of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at Virginia Tech, through the current ministry of his grandson, Cory Byrd. You can donate online at or by check, payable to FCA at Virginia Tech and sent to: Cory Byrd 855 Clubhouse Rd. Blacksburg, VA 24060
The family of Charles Byrd is being cared for by Farris Cremation & Funeral Center, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.
Farris Funeral Service
Abingdon, VA
Byrd, Ollen
