William Lee Byrd

William was born on August 27, 1945, in Fulton, MO. He was the sixth child amongst eleven siblings. The son of Otis Sr and Nellie (Henderson) Byrd who preceded him in the afterlife. He attended Carver School as well as Fulton High School in Fulton, MO and would often reminisce and tell stories of growing up and his days of playing in the school yard. William started his employment with Westminster College in Fulton, MO beginning August 1965, and retiring September 2003 after 38 years of dedicated service. After a short rest, he came out of retirement, working as a part-time employee and eventually self-employed for the Fulton Housing Authority for a combined 19 years, beginning his employment in 2005. He was known to be a loyal fan of the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as an avid fan of LA Dodgers and Baltimore Ravens. Visitors to his home were greeted with a warm smile and hospitality. He would never turn anyone away and was always willing to give. He enjoyed watching ESPN SportsCenter as well as old western movies. You could often catch him lying on his bed reading Sports Illustrated or listening to Classic R&B. He loved to drink strawberry milkshakes, but nothing warmed his soul more than a good ole pot of “Ham and Beans” and would often say that was his favorite meal. He enjoyed time spent outside working in the yard, mowing and planting flowers. He was a well-dedicated provider that adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He considered his family as his life. William was well “respected” and “liked” in his community and will be greatly missed!

Survivors include: one sister, Ann Gross (James); three brothers, Kenneth Byrd (Anna), Jerry (Delsa) Byrd and Gary Byrd; five grandchildren, Jeff Patterson, Christopher Walker, Timothy Walker, Albert Gay Jr and Tyshawn Logan; great-grandchildren, Calvin Patterson, J’Len Patterson, Kameron Patterson, Dustin Patterson, Jaedyn Patterson, Jamarri Bruce, Jariah Patterson, D’Angelo Walker, Christian Walker, Jaida Walker, Xavier Walker, Keaton Walker, Jaxon Walker, Khiauna Gay, Alyssa Beal, Adarius Gay and Brayla Early and several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was also preceded in death by his lifelong partner, Barbara Jean Patterson; stepdaughter, Jacquelyne “Jackie” Walker; stepson, Lee Patterson; three brothers, Richard Byrd, Robert Byrd and Otis Byrd Jr and three sisters, Carolyn Sue Fisher, Goldie Lawson and Ella Williams.

Visitation will be on Saturday, May 24, 2025, from 10:00 am – 11:00 am at Debo Funeral Home in Fulton, MO. Memorial service will follow at 11:00 am on Saturday, May 24, 2025, at the funeral home with Rev Gregory Durant officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Open Table (formerly Fulton Soup Kitchen), c/o Debo Funeral Home, 833 Court St, Fulton, MO 65251.