Quitman David Byrd

Quitman David Byrd passed away peacefully with his daughters by his side on July 29, 2023. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to many. David was born on January 9, 1934 in Wilmer, Alabama to Robert Dorlan and Fannie Amelia Byrd.

David graduated from Citronelle High School in 1951 and joined the U.S. Army on December 7, 1953. He served on Active Duty with the 82nd Airborn Division until December 7, 1955. He then began a career with the U.S. Air Force as a Civil Servant in the Telecommunication field which lasted over 30 years. He ended his career as Wire Chief of Communications at Eglin AFB and retired as a WS16 in 1988.

David was a member of the Haji Temple in Pensacola FL and a 50 year member of the Loop Masonic Lodge #895. He was a past Master of the Citronelle Lodge #637 for two terms. He loved serving his fellow man. He was a fixture in his neighborhood for over 63 years, walking, helping, and welcoming where he could.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years Edna Janette Byrd. He was also preceded in death by his father, Robert Dorlan Byrd; his mother, Fannie Amelia Cain Byrd; his brothers, William Eugene Byrd (Betty); Charles Gordon Byrd (Liba); Calvin Lane Byrd (Dorothy) and one sister, Pauline Amelia Byrd Williams (Charles); and one beloved granddaughter, Aislinn Janette Sumlin.

He is survived by his daughters, Sandra Byrd Sumlin (Charles); Tambra Byrd McNellage; and one sister, Shirley Jean Byrd Pritchett (Darrell); granddaughters Alaina Sumlin Ammons; Jillian McNellage Dwyer (Nicholas) and grandsons, Matthew “Matty” Byrd McNellage; Charles “Chaz” David Sumlin (Georgia); and George Garrett McNellage (Krista).

Mr. Byrd was also blessed with 12 great grandchildren, Christian, Colton, Jackson, Ella, Emme, Charlie, Carrie Claire, George, Amelia, Everly, Hannah, and Wyatt arriving in December; nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A memorial service will be scheduled on a later date.