Joe Byrd
William Joseph “Joe” Byrd Jr., 53, a legendary ATV motocross rider, champion and beloved member of the riding community, passed away on 12:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Union City surrounded by his family.
A celebration of life will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, in the chapel of Edmaiston Mosley Funeral Home. Pastor Ronnie Coleman will officiate.
Visitation will be on Saturday at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until service time.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Hometown Walk of Hope, 902 Perkins St., Union City, TN 38261.
Joe was born Nov. 27, 1972, in Union City, son of William “Joe” Byrd (Cheryl) of Union City and Debbie Smith (Tommy) of Murray, Ky. He is survived by his wife, Malerie Lauren (Bunch) Byrd, whom he married Jan. 25, 2017. He attended the University of Tennessee at Martin before he began to ride professionally. Joe and Malerie attended several different churches in the area and was baptized on Oct. 30, 2022, by Pastor Ronnie Coleman of Soul Quest Church in Jackson.
He is also survived by one daughter, Madison Scogin of Longbeach, Miss.; one son, James “Cameron” Johnson of Cleburne, Texas; one sister, Mary Sue Seratt (Tommy) of Troy; one stepsister, Shannon Porter of Franklin; two nephews, James Tully Moore (Abby) of Martin and William Thomas Moore (Harly) of Union City; and one great-niece, Mila Ann Moore of Martin.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Horace and Mary Byrd and Gerald and Sue Bell; and his bonus dad, Tommy Smith.
Joe was recently diagnosed with a very aggressive terminal cancer. He was only given days to live at multiple hospitals and without having the ability to eat, he never gave up hope and was a true fighter ’til the very end. Anyone that knew him, knew just how strong he was.
Joe was widely known and deeply respected in the world of ATV racing. His passion for the sport, relentless work ethic and natural talent carried him to the highest levels of competition. Over the course of his career, Joe competed in the AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Championship Series, where he established himself as one of the sport’s elite riders.
Joe achieved the pinnacle of professional ATV racing as a two-time AMA Pro ATV Motocross National Champion, earning the prestigious ATVA National No. 1 Plate in 2006 and 2007. These championships cemented his place among the greats of ATV motocross.
Throughout his career, Joe earned over 35 professional class victories, including multiple overall wins at national events. His notable race victories include:
Birch Creek ATV National, where he swept both motos for a 1–1 overall finish
RedBud ATV National, capturing the overall win and earning a Holeshot Award
Oak Hill, Texas (ATV Wrangler Round), winning both motos for a 1–1 sweep
Loretta Lynn Ranch, where he captured the ITP Tires Grand Slam Championship
Legends Race in 2024, where he had the fastest lap time
Joe was admired for his speed, precision and ability to perform under the most demanding track conditions. Even later in his career, he remained highly competitive, recording the fastest qualifying time at Budds Creek Raceway during the 2012 AMA ATV Nationals.
Beyond trophies and titles, Joe was known for his sportsmanship, leadership and willingness to help others. He inspired fellow riders through his dedication, mentored younger competitors and represented the ATV community with pride and integrity. To many, Joe was not just a champion on the track, but a genuine friend off of it.
He was a licensed commercial pilot with multi-engine and agricultural ratings which helped fulfill his need for speed and adrenaline after retiring from racing.
Joe Byrd’s legacy lives on in the championships he earned, the races he won, and the countless riders he influenced along the way. His impact on the sport of ATV motocross will not be forgotten, and his memory will forever ride on in the hearts of those who knew him.
The Messenger/updated