Raymond A. Byrd

BYRD, Raymond Arthur, “Papa Byrd” 91, of Tampa, FL, peacefully left this earth to be with our Lord, on December 2, 2015. He was born April 11, 1924 in Tampa, FL to Robert A. Byrd and Viola T. Sylvester of Tampa, FL. He married Mary C. Taylor on October 31, 1948 in Central Florida. He enlisted into the US Army during WWII, spending time in Germany and in the South Pacific. He was a life long traveler, he loved to drive, going out for breakfast, fishing on the lake and spending time with his family. He will be sadly missed by daughter Marie and Jesse Moody of Buckfield, ME; daughter Anne Lowery and Tom of Brandon, FL; Daughter Karen and Roger Murphy of Norway, ME; Daughter Nancy Gancedo of Norway, ME; Son Timothy Byrd and Linda of Tampa, FL; Brother Leroy Norton of Tampa. FL; 19 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins. Predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Mary C. Taylor; his parents, four brothers, two sisters and many nieces, nephews and cousins. A visitation will be held from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm on Monday, December 7, 2015 at Stowers Funeral Home, 401 West Brandon Boulevard, Brandon, FL. Funeral services will start promptly at 1 pm. Committal to follow at Sunset Memory Gardens, Thonotosassa, FL.