By Jonathan S. Reiskin, Associate News Editor This story appears in the Oct. 14 print edition of Transport Topics.
Philip Byrd Jr., a fleet manager with Bulldog Hiway Express and the son of Philip Byrd Sr., Bulldog’s CEO and the next chairman of American Trucking Associations, died Oct. 3 from complications of an extended illness. He was 34.
The younger Byrd spent 12 years with Bulldog and ran the truckload carrier’s linehaul fleet with 30 drivers. He started his full-time career at Bulldog in August 2001 in the carrier’s maintenance shop.
He also worked part time at Bulldog before graduating high school in 1997. He attended Trident Technical College before starting full time.
Byrd Jr. introduced a third generation of his family to the North Charleston, S.C., company, said Rod Moseley, son of Bulldog founder R.D. Moseley.
“Occasionally, he brought in his son Trey [Philip III], who is 7, on Saturdays,” Moseley said, adding that, “This is a big loss for all of us here at Bulldog,”
ATA President Bill Graves said members were dismayed by the tragic news for the incoming chairman and his wife, Lynda.
“All of us were terribly saddened to hear of Phil Jr.’s sudden passing and wish nothing but comfort and support to the Byrds in the coming days,” Graves said.
Rick Todd, president of the South Carolina Trucking Association, who attended University of South Carolina football games with Phil Jr., recalled his devotion to his son and bringing him to the games — when he was not bringing him into Bulldog.
“He was a quiet, easygoing, nice guy,” Todd said.
Born June 3, 1979, Byrd was a resident of Reevesville, S.C. In addition to his parents and son, Byrd is survived by his younger brother, Jeremy. Funeral services were Oct. 6.
