Thomas M Byrd

T.M. Byrd was born April 4, 1926, son of Myrtle Oma Hurley Byrd and Joseph Marcus Byrd. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a BSBA degree where he was also a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. During World War Two, he served in the Army

Air Corps.

An avid duck hunter and fisherman, he was president of the Union County Wildlife Association in 1960. He was also a charter member of the Model Aviators of South Arkansas. He served for 13 years on the Board of Governors of Union Memorial Hospital.

T.M. Byrd was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Episcopal Church where he served numerous times on the Vestry as both Senior and Junior Warden. St. Mary’s was like a second family to him.

He started Byrd Tire Company with his brother Jack in the mid 1950’s and in 1972 started Byrd Marine.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Jack Byrd of El Dorado.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Gloria M. Byrd; a son, Tommy Byrd of Austin, TX; two daughters, Marilyn Brown (Greg) of Park City, UT, Martha Dudley (Chuck) of Hot Springs, AR; three grandchildren, Haley Marshall (Jonathan) of Austin, TX, Robert Dudley of Little Rock, AR, and Thomas Dudley of Fayetteville, AR; and a great grandson, Jack Marshall of Austin, TX.

A memorial service will be held Tuesday, January 5, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, 512 Champagnolle Rd., El Dorado, AR, with Father Bob Allen and Father Chuck Chapman officiating. A reception will follow in the parish hall. Arrangements were entrusted to Young’s Funeral Directors.

Memorials may be made to St. Mary’s Episcopal Church or the John R. Williamson Hospice House, 2301 Champagnolle Rd., El Dorado, AR 71730.

T.M. Byrd will be remembered as a gentle and kind man who touched many lives and made many friends.

An online guest registry will be available at www.youngsfuneralhome.com