Charles R. Byrnes Jr.

Oct. 25, 1938 – Aug. 5, 2016

NATCHEZ — Services for Charles Ralston Byrnes Jr., 77, of Natchez, who died Friday, Aug. 5, at Riverland Medical Center, will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church with the Revs. Noelle and Denny Read and Lee Jones officiating.

Visitation will be at Stratton Chapel at 9 a.m. until service time Tuesday.

Mr. Byrnes was born Oct. 25, 1938, in Natchez, the son of Charles Ralston Byrnes Sr. and Violet Smith Byrnes.

He graduated from Natchez High School in 1956. After receiving his bachelor of science degree in industrial technology from Louisiana State University in 1961, he worked at Johns-Manville Corporation. He later moved to Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company, where he became human resource manager. During his employment with Armstrong, Mr. Byrnes was elected chairman of the Mississippi Manufacturers Association in 1996. He retired from Titan Tire Company, formerly Armstrong Tire and Rubber Company, in 2002.

A loyal alumnus of Louisiana State University, he was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity and an avid sports fan. Accompanied by his son Alex, he attended both football and baseball games in Baton Rouge and across the country.

An outdoor enthusiast, Mr. Byrnes belonged to the Cypress Grove Hunting Club in Churc Hill where he socialized and hunted with friends. An outstanding fisherman, he spent many hours reeling in fish from ponds and lakes in Adams County, Concordia Parish and the Gulf of Mexico.

He was a dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church and regularly attended services and participated in church activities. An active member of the men’s club, Mr. Byrnes often cooked for the men and other church events.

Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Ann Benton “Bee” Stone Byrnes, and two sons, Charles Ralston “Trey” Byrnes III of Nottingham, N.H., and Benton Alexander “Alex” Byrnes of Hattiesburg.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the First Presbyterian Church, 405 State St., Natchez, MS 39120 or Pleasant Acre Day School, 335 Liberty Road, Natchez, MS 39120.

Online condolences may be sent to www.lairdfh.com.