Arthur Lamar Byrd

Lamar was born in Hermitage, Arkansas on June 8, 1928 to George Henry Byrd originally of Rachelle, Louisiana and Hazel Corinne Outlaw Byrd originally of Memphis, Tennessee.

He received his early education in the nearby small towns of Dermott and Jerome. Lamar would often return for class reunions, including his recent 69th reunion. He will be remembered by his many classmates who still live in the area.

While Lamar loved his small town roots and enjoyed visiting, his life’s adventures would take him far away. In 1946, immediately following high school, Lamar enlisted in the Navy. He was sent to the San Diego Naval Training Center in Point Loma. His first assignment was aboard a destroyer that patrolled Chinese waters, a long way from his sheltered hometown. Lamar thoroughly enjoyed his naval experience and often referred to it as some of the best years of his life. He continued serving in the Naval Reserves for many years after returning to the States.

Following an honorable discharge from the Navy in 1948, Lamar continued with higher education at the University of Arkansas, and then dental school at the University of Kansas. He married and fathered two children before graduation, and immediately after graduating started his own dental practice in Abilene, Kansas.

In 1963, he moved his family to San Diego, California. There, Lamar established a thriving dental practice. For 18 years Lamar practiced in Point Loma and was an active member of many local philanthropic organizations. He served as President of the Pt. Loma Optimist Club and of the local Toastmasters. As a Patron of Youth, he supported the Peninsula YMCA and provided free dental care to poor children close to the border.

Later, he moved to Jamul and continued his practice in El Cajon for another 20 years. During that time, he was an active member of the East County Chamber of Commerce and served on the Board of the San Diego Dental Society.

In 1992, after his divorce, Lamar met Mari Perez. Both were active in the local and city Chambers of Commerce and attended First Church together. Ushering at services was very important to Lamar, who was deeply spiritual and had great devotion to his Lord and Savior.

In 2002, after nearly 40 years of dentistry, Lamar retired. He and Mari enjoyed travelling, spending time with family, and ran a home health business together. Lamar and Mari remained loving companions to the end of his life.

Besides Mari, Lamar is survived by his son, Mark Byrd, daughter-in-law, Alyssa Wright, and daughter Beryl Ann Byrd. Lamar joins his beloved grandmother, mother and two sisters, Dell and Nell, who lovingly raised him and predeceased him long ago.