City of Salem issued the following announcement on Feb. 5
Mr. Byrd was not born Salem, but he was a very integral part of the city's fabric for decades. In September 1959, Byrd and Ervin Brooks purchased a little pharmacy on Main Street from Ted Webber and turned it into Brooks-Byrd Pharmacy. In addition, Byrd was a member of Salem's first School Board after it became a city in 1968.
Mr. Byrd and two other members, B.G. King and Mrs. Russell Johnston, were appointed by City Council, in what were unique positions to say the least. Salem schools were still part of Roanoke County in 1968 and remained that way until 1983, when Salem formed its own independent school division. Mr. Byrd and many others from that era played critical roles in Salem's continued growth. Here is a link to his obituary with John M. Oakey and Son.
Original source can be found here.
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