Henry Dennis Byrd, III

Henry Dennis Byrd III, known as Buddy, passed away on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Those who knew Buddy well would not be surprised that he died “on the job” at Carmel Span Barber Shop in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Buddy, the son of Henry Dennis Byrd, Jr. and Sarah Thompson Byrd, was born on April 25, 1959, in Durham, N.C.

He moved to Charlotte, NC, as a child and resided there for fifty-eight years. He attended Independence High School and The Hair Styling Institute of Charlotte, where he earned a Roffler certification. He barbered in Charlotte his entire adult life, working first at Old Town Barber Shop, then Quail Corners Barber Shop, and most recently, Carmel Span Barber Shop.

Buddy was inspired by nature. He was happiest parachuting from an airplane, sitting in a deer stand, fishing on the river, experiencing the grandeur of the mountains, soaking up the rays at the OIB, and most recently, sitting on his patio, watching birds and enjoying his beautiful flowers. His grandson, Asher, was born a year ago this past March. The joy Asher brought sustained him over the last year.

Buddy had a song in his heart and a smile that would light up a room. He loved all kinds of music and attending concerts. He would head to the beach, turn on his favorite “No Shoes” radio station, high volume, roll down the windows, and cruise. He loved the Panthers, the Tarheels and NASCAR racing.

Buddy’s work ethic was impeccable. He was loyal, giving, and helpful to anyone needing his help. In the last week of his life, he was cutting one of his homebound customer’s hair.

In 2020, Buddy was diagnosed with cancer. To say he fought a valiant fight would be an understatement. He was declared cancer-free only to have it rear its ugly head again. Through years of chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and chemotherapy again, he never missed work except for his appointments and therapies. Buddy was never a complainer.

Buddy lived life to the fullest. He was planning to attend a concert soon and visit his beloved beach for his birthday on April 25th.

Buddy’s faith was personal and strong. He knew he was a sinner saved by grace. He thanked God daily for His mercy and for saving him from his sins. He was grateful for his many blessings. He often reminded me that while God did not promise an easy life, He assured that arrival in heaven would be worthwhile.

Buddy is survived by his daughter, Brittany Byrd of Charlotte, NC; his beloved grandson, Asher; his sister, Jane Barnes (Bob) of Fayetteville NC; his sister, Kathy Harrington (Jerry) of Monroe, NC; his sister, Alice Byrd (Dwayne) of Spring Hill, Tennessee; his nieces, Krissy Lyell (Nate) of Monroe, Georgia; Kathy Betz (Jordan) of Raleigh, North Carolina; Kimberly Cheek (Dan) of Fort Mill, South Carolina, Brooke Sykes (Dani) of Oxford, Mississippi; Rachel Wilfong (Luke) of Lebanon, Tennessee and nephew Wesley Hunter (deceased).

His great-nieces and nephews were Griffin Lyell, Davis Lyell, Graham Lyell, Brecken Betz, Stella Jane Betz, Kennedy Cheek, Lincoln Cheek, Willow Hunter, Jackson Hunter, Brooke Sykes, Madi Sykes, Jonah Wilfong, Elleigh Wilfong and Hattie Wilfong. He is also survived by his special long-time friend, Luan Parker, her children Katie Cobb and Dillon Parker, and their children Emmi, Allie, and Mollie, and Luan’s entire family.

He is also survived by his aunt, Judy Thompson of Asheville, NC, and numerous cousins.

We are grateful to Buddy’s family, his customers, friends, and the prayer warriors who supported him.

A celebration of Buddy’s life will take place on June 27, 2026, from 3-5 PM at Red Rocks Cafe, located at 4223 Providence Road, Unit 8, Charlotte, NC 28211.

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