Getting to Know Wayne Byrd
Born in Society Hill, South Carolina, in 1965, Wayne Byrd is a lifelong resident of Darlington County.
A 1984 graduate of Cheraw High School, Wayne earned an Associate Degree from Chesterfield-Marlboro Technical College before completion of his Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice from AIU. He began his law enforcement career in September of 1987 with the Society Hill Police Department, and in June of 1989 he began working for the Darlington Police Department. On November 8, 1995, Wayne was promoted to the position of Captain; the position he still holds today.
Wayne is an active member and Deacon of First Baptist Church of Darlington. He married his wife, Jennifer Flowers, on September 10, 1994, at Welsh Neck Baptist Church in Society Hill. They have two children, Will (7) and Mary Hunter (4). Will is a first grader at J.L. Cain Elementary School, while Mary Hunter attends 3k pre-school at Central Baptist Church. Both children are active in local Recreation Department Programs and YMCA activities.
Wayne’s father, Jerry Byrd, grew up on the Old Camden Road near Sherrill’s Mill and is now a small business owner. His mom, Cora (Hill) Byrd, has worked for Palmetto Furniture Company for the past 45 years. Lane Byrd, Wayne’s brother, is the Farm Manager for Palmetto Brick Company and lives in Cheraw, SC with his wife and two kids.
Jennifer is the daughter of Gloria (Williams) Flowers Taylor and the late Furman Flowers. Gloria is now married to Red (David) Taylor, who is retired from Roadway. She has two brothers; Tony (Marion Police Department) and Chris (NUCOR Steel).
The Byrd Family
I am often asked, “Why would you want to be Sheriff?” There really is a simple answer.
I point to my two children and my wife — the most precious things I have been blessed to enjoy. Their future and their happiness is directly tied to the future of Darlington County and so I believe the best way for me to ensure their well-being is to make sure every family in Darlington County has the safety and security that I want for my own family…
- To sleep secure in my home without fear of thieves.
- To watch my children play outside without fear of predators.
- To enjoy community functions without fear of criminals.
My wife and I have been married for nearly 14 years, and I cherish every minute of each one. I have watched her build our home and her career as a small business person. She manages her business as a Title Abstractor while raising our family, and still finds time to help with Sunday School and Mission Friends at our Church.
The only thing that could have increased the love I have for my wife was the birth of our children. Those two events, the birth of our son and daughter, only served to strengthen our bond. I know that I have been blessed beyond any measure of what I deserve.
The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I have passed at home in the bosom of my family.
~Thomas Jefferson
Civic Activity & Involvement
- Williamson Park Advisory Committee
- Midlands Regional Steering Committee, SC Criminal Justice Academy
- SC Training Officers Association (Member, Former Vice-President)
- SC Law Enforcement Officers Association (Member, Former District 4 Chairman)
- St. David’s Masonic Lodge #72 (Treasurer, Past Master 1998 & 2004)
- Pee Dee Lodge #25, Fraternal Order of Police (Secretary 1995 - 2005, 2007)
- United Way of Darlington (Supporter, Former Board Member)
- Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Graduate
