SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bishop Arnold Joseph Byrd, 69, of Wilton went peacefully into the loving arms of his savior Jesus Christ on Sunday December 2 at Saratoga Hospital with his devoted family by his side.
Born on March 13, 1944 in Brooklyn to Edward and Gertrude Robinson Byrd, he was a graduate of Wallace High School in Charleston, South Carolina, where he lived out his school motto “Enter to Learn, Learn to Serve.”
Arnold had an outstanding personality. Everyone who knew him always felt great to have been in his presence. In his early twenties he gave his life to Christ and became a Born Again Christian. He felt God calling him to go into the ministry and joined the Soul Saving Station for Every Nation Christ Crusaders of America Church headquarters in New York City. He was a member of the church since 1969, achieving the position title of presiding Bishop and General Overseer of over 25 churches domestically and 20-plus churches, orphanages in Haite, Wisconsin, until his passing.
Bishop Byrd matriculated from New York Theological Seminary with a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry and the Blanton-Peale Institute of Religious and Health, being certified in pastoral counseling and care. Bishop Byrd and his wife, Pastor Shelia, together served the local church Soul Saving Station at Saratoga Springs for over 30 years. Bishop Byrd retired recently from the New York State Government after 31 years of service.
In his leisure, he enjoyed being around his family and serving on many various community projects. He also enjoyed reading.
He is predeceased by his mother, father and two brothers.
Survivors include his wife Shelia of Wilton, eight children, Wanda Byrd, Audrey Byrd, Arnold Byrd and his wife Neysha, Genevieve Robinson and her husband Deshawn, Justin, Michael, David and Shawn Byrd, five brothers, Francis and Matthew Byrd of Massapequa, John Byrd of Delhi, Charles of Queens and Joethel Byrd Williams of Rochester. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, two great grandchildren and many nieces, nephews and cousins, as well as his extended church family.
Family and friends may call from 4-8 p.m. on Thursday at the church. A Home Going Service will be on Friday December 6 at The Soul Saving Station for Every Nation 62 Henry St. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 at 10 a.m. Burial to follow in Greenridge Cemetery in Saratoga Springs, NY
The Family suggests memorial donations can be made in his memory to the Mother Susan Anderson Women’s Shelter PO Box 104 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Tunison Funeral Home 105 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online remembrances can be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com.
