Mark Byrd

Click here to watch Livestream

Mr. D. Mark Byrd, age 54, of Hays passed away Friday, February 20, 2026. 

Mark was born January 21, 1972, in Wilkes County to Dwight and Carolyn Byrd. He made a profession of faith at Little Mountain Baptist Church and attended Lewis Fork Baptist Church.  Mark enjoyed golfing, trout fishing, hunting, spending time with family and was a lifelong Dallas Cowboys fan. He was not only a great brother, but a best friend for his sisters. He always set a good example for his nieces and nephews. 

Mark was a graduate of North Wilkes High School, Wilkes Community College, and  Appalachian State University where he received a Bachelor of Science in History and Secondary Education in 1994. He taught ELPS (Civics) and World History at North Wilkes High School from 1995-2002. Mark also served as an assistant football coach and men's track coach. 

After receiving his Masters in School Administration from Gardner-Webb University in 2002, he served as Assistant Principal at West Alexander Middle School and Elkin High School. He later served as Principal of North Iredell High School and Elkin High School. In 2011, he was named Elkin City School's Principal of the Year. 

In 2012, Mark returned to Wilkes County Schools as Director of Secondary Education and was named Assistant Superintendent in 2014. In May of 2015, he received his Educational Specialist (Ed.S) in Educational Administration from Appalachian State University. He was named Interim Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools effective January 1, 2016. On January 29, 2016, the Wilkes County Board of Education announced that Mark would become Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools effective July 1, 2016. He began his tenth year as Superintendent of Wilkes County Schools in the 2025-2026 school year.  Mark was the 8th superintendent to serve Wilkes County Schools since 1899. 

Mark was committed to the students and educators of Wilkes County Schools. He was a true leader who led by example. Mark was a very kind and dedicated leader in the school system and community. He never forgot his roots nor lost sight of why he entered education: to serve students. He was well respected by his peers both locally and statewide. Mark was a constant source of inspiration and guidance. His impact will never be forgotten, and he will be deeply missed. 

Mark was selected as the North Carolina Public School Maintenance Association Superintendent of the Year for 2021, and was also selected by the NWRESA as the Region 7 Superintendent of the Year for 2021-2022. In 2023, Mark was selected as the Bob McRae Superintendent of the Year by the NCHSAA. He served on the Wake Forest Baptist Health/Wilkes Medical Center Advisory Board and served as the Vice President of Education for the Wilkes Chamber of Commerce. He previously served on the Executive Board of the North Carolina School Superintendents’ Association (NCSSA) and the Board of Directors for the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA). 

Mark is survived by his parents, Dwight and Carolyn Byrd of North Wilkesboro; his fiancé, Shari Lowe of Wilkesboro; two sisters, Becky Childers of North Wilkesboro, Beth Berrong (Jeff) of North Wilkesboro;, nieces and nephews, Eric Absher (Jessica), Emily Billings (Matthew), Nathan Childers; great nieces and nephews, Oakleigh Absher, Ridge Absher, Brody Berrong, and Saige Lyall. He is preceded in death by a nephew, Tyler Berrong (Ashley). 

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 Noon Saturday, February 28, 2026, at The John A Walker Center on the campus of Wilkes Community College with Rev. Benny Romans, Dr. Westley Wood, Rev. Sherrill Wellborn, and Mr. Eric Absher officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Lakey Ballroom. 

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Gideons International Wilkes South Camp, P.O. Box 323, Wilkesboro, NC 28697, or Nichols for Kids C/O Wilkes County Schools, 613 Cherry Street, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659. 

Online condolences may be made to www.reinssturdivant.com. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Mark Byrd, please visit our floral store.