Michael Ryan Byrd

Michael Ryan Byrd, affectionately known to many as Mike, passed away peacefully in Conroe, Texas, on August 19, 2026, surrounded by the love of family and friends. Cancer could not hold Mike, nor could it snatch him out of the hand of Jesus. His life was ultimately secure in Christ, and his faith carried him home.

Mike was born on September 26, 1954, and lived his life in Houston, Texas. He graduated from Sam Houston High School and spent his working years in the sheet metal industry. He began his career as an installer and eventually became a foreman, directing crews and helping bring major projects to completion. Those who worked alongside him knew him as a capable, hardworking man who could be counted on to get the job done.

Mike’s greatest treasures, however, were not found in his work. They were found in his family, his friendships, and his faith.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Joni Jane Riley Byrd; Aimee Pinna the partner of Mike’s son Christopher; his niece Stephanie Mitchell Meineke, nephews Jackie Mitchell and Jason Mitchell, his grandchildren, Willow Evelyn Byrd and William “Liam” Byrd. Mike cherished his grandchildren and numerous other great nephews, nieces and friends taking great joy in being part of their lives.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, John Wiley Byrd of Hamilton, Texas; his mother, Evelyn Marie Welch Byrd of Houston, Texas; his sister, Jan Everett Mitchell; and a son Christopher Byrd.

Mike loved the Body of Christ and considered fellow believers to be family. Throughout his life, he attended Bethel Baptist, Airline United Methodist, River of God, Gateway, Grace Family of Willis, and Grace Community Church of The Woodlands. His faith was not simply something he talked about—it was a part of who he was. He loved God’s people and treasured the relationships he formed within the church.

Mike also had a deep love for the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, golfing and traveling gave him opportunities to explore the beauty of God’s creation. For Mike, the outdoors was more than recreation; it was a way of discovering and appreciating the handiwork of God.

Perhaps one of the things that best described Mike was his love for children and the elderly. He genuinely enjoyed talking with them, listening to what interested them, and engaging them in the things they were passionate about. His grandchildren knew him as paw-paw and the children of his friends—knew him affectionately as “Uncle Mike.” He had a way of making children feel important, valued, and heard.

Mike leaves behind not only his immediate family but also a larger family of people who loved him dearly. His family-in-loves include Linda Cobb; Shirley Riley Davis and her husband, Ronnie; Marilyn Riley Marion and her husband, Hank; David Riley and his wife, Terry; and Bart Riley and his wife, Wendy, along with countless friends who became family along the way.

Mike’s legacy is found in the people he loved, the lives he touched, the children he encouraged, the friendships he treasured, and the faith he held firmly. He saw beauty in God’s creation, valued the family God gave him, and loved the Body of Christ.

Though his earthly life has ended, Mike’s story does not end here. Cancer may have taken his earthly body, but it could not take his faith, his testimony, or his eternal hope. Mike belongs to Jesus, and nothing—not even cancer—could snatch him from His hand.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and joyfully anticipated on the other side.