Robert Heaber Byrd

Robert Heaber Byrd, affectionately known to many as “Bob” was born October 12th, 1937 to Heaber Brown Byrd and Christine Alice Bichard Byrd in Ocala, FL.

Bob was the oldest child of four children born to Brown and Christine who also had Sharon, Jimmy and Jane. During his infancy Bob’s family lived in Shamrock, FL before moving to Cross City. After a short time living in Cross City, the family settled in Jacksonville. Bob spent a majority of his years as a young adult in Jacksonville.

It was in Jacksonville that he met and fell in love with Marianne in 1962. They then married on August, 24th, 1963 and from their union, Bob and Marianne raised 4 children: Walter, Lisa, Gregory, and Angelique (Angel).

Bob’s early career began with the Jacksonville Police Department, but it was his passion for flying that led him to become a corporate pilot for over 20 years. Later, Bob worked with the government in the TSA Division of Homeland Security and following his role as a TSA Agent, he retired in 2013.

His retirement years were spent mostly in Okeechobee, Florida, until it became too challenging for both he and Marianne to be alone. Recently, he joined Marianne at the Life Care Center at Wells Crossing in Orange Park, FL. He made this his home until his final days.

Bob is survived by his wife of sixty years, Marianne, children; Walter, (Joslyn Lambert), Lisa (Rick Hamilton ), Gregory (Emily Grandilli), and Angel (Scott Estes). He leaves behind 7 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren, sisters Sharon and Jane along with a host of other family members and extended family.

Robert Heaber Byrd will be sorely missed by all and will be forever in our hearts.

A funeral service for Robert will be held Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205. Following the funeral service will be a committal service from 11:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Riverside Memorial Park, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32205.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hgriversidefuneralhome.com for the Byrd family.