Red Byrd was born in Sumter County, Alabama. He graduated from Sumter County High School where he played football. He met his beloved wife, Virginia Powell in 9th grade and married her 6 years later on September 4, 1955. He loved her with all of his heart until her death in September 2017. Mr. Byrd attended Alabama Polytechnic Institute (API), now Auburn University, and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1957. He participated in the ROTC program while attending Auburn University. After graduation, he served on active duty in the Army, Red Byrd, his wife and two children moved to Meridianville, AL in 1961 when he began his career with NASA at Marshall Space Flight Center on Redstone Arsenal. Red Byrd was a skilled deer hunter his whole life. During hunting season, you always knew he would be in the woods or sitting at a green field on weekends. You could always find Red Byrd at the football, basketball and baseball games of his son when he was growing up. Throughout the years, Pappy watched his oldest granddaughter participate in Special Olympic events in Madison County. Pappy rarely missed any baseball or basketball games of his grandson and he attended 14 years of dance recitals when his youngest granddaughter performed.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Powell Byrd, father, Clarence Abram Byrd Sr., mother, Edris Cameron Byrd and sister Gayle Byrd Weed.
Survivors include his son, John (Charlotte) Byrd, of Hazel Green, daughter, Sharon (Guy) Patterson, of Hazel Green, grandson, Brooks Patterson, granddaughters, Mary Grace Patterson and Cassie Patterson and numerous nieces and nephews.
There will be a limited visitation from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm on Sunday, March 22, 2022, at Valhalla Funeral Home. The funeral service will begin at 2:00 pm with Dr. Tommy J. Bolan officiating. Interment will follow at Valhalla Memory Gardens.
Memorial Donations may be made to Lunches of Love through Mission Firefly.
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