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Celebrating the life of
Richard Edward Byrd, Sr.
February 02, 1938 - March 16, 2019
"Brother Ben shot a rooster, killed a hen."
SAVANNAH – RICHARD E. BYRD, 81, went to his Eternal resting place on March 16, 2019.
Richard was born on February 2, 1938, in Savannah, Georgia where he lived for most of his life.
He was a proud member of the Georgia Army National Guard from 1955 until he retired as First Sergeant (E8) in 1978. Richard also retired from Amtrak Railroad as a Ticket Agent after more than 32 years of service.
He was an active member of the Irish and Catholic communities, serving as second Vice President of Police Emerald Society of Southeast Georgia, Adjutant of Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee in 1997 and 1998, and Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus Holy Council 5588. He was a proud member of the Catholic War Veterans, past President of the Irish Heritage Society, and was due to be sworn-in as President of the Chatham Artillery Unit in May of 2019. Richard was a member of both Blessed Sacrament and Sacred Heart Catholic Churches.
Richard was preceded in death by his parents, Jesse and Cassie Sasser Byrd.
Surviving are his wife of 56 years, Cindy Rowand Byrd; three sons, Richard E Byrd Jr, (Tory), Jesse (Stephanie), Patrick (Allison) all of Savannah; five grandchildren, Richie III, Jessica, Lily, Abby, and Mason; his sister, Peggy Foster (Bill); a brother, Steve Byrd (Kim); and several nieces, nephews, and friends that will miss him dearly.
A celebration of Richard's life will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20, 2019 at Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers the family request that donations be made in Richard's honor to Police Emerald Society Fallen Officer Fund, P.O. Box 31056, Savannah GA 31410 or to The Savannah Ambucs.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
- Carol, Margaret, Lorin, Michael, Savannah, Ga
Richard was always fun to be around,he will be missed.Rest in Peace my friend
- Ricky Edgerly, Tybee Island, Georgia
Cindy so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
- Tharpe, Guyton, Ga
He will be missed. His wry sense of humor and his love of family. There are no words. I’m so sorry for your loss, the Byrd clan is in our prayers.
- Sandi Lowe, Savannah , Ga
Cindy, we are sorry to hear about Richard. We have many good memories of the Knights of Columbus 5588, cookouts, oyster roasts, fish fries and dinners. You and your family are in our prayers.
- Allen & Elinor Stanford, Savannah, GA
Cindy,I'm so sorry for your loss, he will be missed
- Ronnie I. Rogers, Garden City, Georgia
Richard and i went to high school and work for the railroad he was a good friend.
- John&Dianne Shearouse, Guyton,, Ga.
Cindi. So sorry to hear about Richard I know he was whole life will be praying for you and your whole family.
- Janice Strickland aiken , Springfield ,
Cindi. So sorry to hear about Richard I know he was whole life will be praying for you and your whole family.
- Janice Strickland aiken , Springfield ,
With deepest sympathy and prayers.
- Jimmy and Connie Deal, Savannah, Georgia
So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. My condolences to his family. Richard and Uncle Jesse were so nice to me when my parents passed. Richard will be missed by all who knew him.
- Ronnie Byrd, Cumming, Ga
please accept our condolences for your lost of your loved one
- Billly & Yvonne Singleton, Savannah, , Ga
Cindy, Richie, Jesse and Patrick, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Richard was loved by all who knew him. He will be missed.
- Anna B Highsmith, Savannah, Georgia
Thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Cindy and the family at this time. We were so sorry to hear about Uncle Richard's passing. We hope that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead
- Clarence (Lee) & Marie Kutscher, Albrightsville, PA
Rest In Peace. You served all other well. You are one person that all who knew you would say “ He is one special and good guy “. Richard was my First Sergeant during my 6 years in the Ga National Guard.
- Karacostas, Savannah, Ga
Our thoughts and prayers of comfort are with you, Jesse and Stephanie, and to your family. We know how much your dad meant to you; and as patriarch to the Byrd family, he will be missed. Erin go Bragh.
- Diane and Skip Sasser, Wilmington Island, GA
Heartfelt condolences to Jesse and family at this most difficult time. Prayers of comfort and peace to all.
- Court Services Division - CCSO, Savannah, GA
My thoughts and prayers. Are with you Mrs Byrd. Jessie. Richie and Patrick and all his grandkids i ? yall
- Lisa Glisson, Garden, Ga
Dear Cindy, Richard, Jesse, Patrick & Family, Richard Sr. was such a special man. We know how much you all loved and cherished him. His smile could light up a room! He was a wonderful Grandad to Richie,III and we will miss him very much. Please know that you all are in our prayers and we know he will be forever remembered as the great husband, father and grandparent he was. Love, Cindy & Mark Kimmel
- Cynthia & Mark Kimmel, Palm Coast, FL
Cindy, Peggy, Steve and family, Richard’s family lived next to my grandparents back in the 40’s. We played together and he was truly one of my most memorable childhood friends. Life separated us, but after years of no contact we reconnected several years ago on FB. I just heard from him several weeks ago and as usual he made me laugh. I too, will miss this special man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. Rest In Peace dear friend, until we meet again.
- Carolyn Yokum Beebe, Savannah, GA
We are very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man and friend. When we first met years ago we became instant friends and have been every since. I will truly miss him. When he wanted a job at the Landings I was so happy to help and believe me he did a great job.
- Bob /Joyce Egan, SAVANNAH, GA
Cindy and family, Richard was such a nice and cheerful person. Please know you're in my thoughts and I wish you comfort in all of your memories of him.
- Cheryl Clanton Barker, Savannah, Georgia
Sending you and your whole family love and prayers, Cindy. Richard was a kind and caring gentleman and will be greatly missed....???
- Carol and Mke Kilpatrick, Savannah, Ga
With caring thought of sympathy for you and your family. Linda Manuel Cleary SHS '56
- Linda Cleary, Tybee Island, GA
A true gentleman! My sympathies to all his family and friends. I will not be able to attend Wednesday’s service, but will be thinking of him that day.
- Lynn Fogarty, ,
My sincere condolences to the Byrd family in their time of morning.
- Michael P. McCarthy, West Palm Beach, FL
Our prayers are with the family. It was an honor to call Richard a friend. The Irish community is at a great loss. Rest in Peace.
- Ashley Norris, Savannah,
Sorry to hear of Richard's passing. I didn't know Richard well, but always enjoyed speaking to him at the annual KOC oyster roasts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
- Craig Zuck, Savannah, GA
One Irish guy I am Going to miss ???? Prayers to all!
- Alicia Coleman, Savannah,
Deepest sympathy on the death of Richard, a unique man. May he rest in peace.
- Burch & Marie Bryant, Savannah, GA
My heart just breaks for you all. He was my favorite uncle. Always made me smile,and be happy.sending you all hugs and love... Patty
- Patricia Rowand Szini, Tonganoxie, Ks
My deepest condolences to family and friends. Fellow Emerald Police Society brother. Geno Rife
- Geno Rife, Savannah ,
Sorry to see that Richard has passed away. One of the good guys. Rest In Peace old buddy!
- Bob White, Greensboro , Ga
Richard was always cheerful and great to be around. My God bless him and comfort his family.
- Brian Michael Counihan, Savannah, GA
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Byrd Family. What a wonderful man! He will be missed.
- Tom and Sandra Kynerd, Savannah, GA
God Bless and keep your family at this very difficult time. Richard was loved by all who knew him. Please know that he will be sorely missed.
- Harry and Mary Pitts and Family , Tybee Island , GA
We lost one of the good guys. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Pat Shows, Savannah, GA
Richard is and always will be a great inspiration to EVERYONE! May God bless all of you and be your guide and comfort always. You are deeply loved in circles Love always, Katie
- Katie Mell , Savannah , Ga
May God Bless your Soul and see your family thru this difficult time. I will miss sharing our adjutant and Disney stories together. You always had so much to offer to many organizations we shared. Rest well my friend until we meet again.
- Mike and Laura Kenny, Savannah, GA
My heart goes out to the Byrd family. Richard is a true patron to the community. He tirelessly and humbly served in many community organizations for others benefits. You will be missed, but always loved.
- Trey Leggett, Savannah, Ga
A candle has been lit!
- Joanne Cordeiro , Flo
A candle has been lit!
- Margaret Patton, Carol, Lorin, Stephanie Patton Tatnall , Georg
Our thoughts and prayers are with you
- Carol, Margaret, Lorin, Michael, Savannah, Ga
A candle has been lit!
- Richard & Ann Lutz & Family , Georg
Richard was always fun to be around,he will be missed.Rest in Peace my friend
- Ricky Edgerly, Tybee Island, Georgia
A candle has been lit!
- Rex, Kimberly and Brett Glisson , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- The Sea Pines Resort F&B Team , South Caro
Cindy so sorry for your loss. Prayers for you and your family.
- Tharpe, Guyton, Ga
He will be missed. His wry sense of humor and his love of family. There are no words. I’m so sorry for your loss, the Byrd clan is in our prayers.
- Sandi Lowe, Savannah , Ga
Cindy, we are sorry to hear about Richard. We have many good memories of the Knights of Columbus 5588, cookouts, oyster roasts, fish fries and dinners. You and your family are in our prayers.
- Allen & Elinor Stanford, Savannah, GA
Cindy,I'm so sorry for your loss, he will be missed
- Ronnie I. Rogers, Garden City, Georgia
A candle has been lit!
- Ronnie I. Rogers , Georg
Richard and i went to high school and work for the railroad he was a good friend.
- John&Dianne Shearouse, Guyton,, Ga.
Cindi. So sorry to hear about Richard I know he was whole life will be praying for you and your whole family.
- Janice Strickland aiken , Springfield ,
Cindi. So sorry to hear about Richard I know he was whole life will be praying for you and your whole family.
- Janice Strickland aiken , Springfield ,
With deepest sympathy and prayers.
- Jimmy and Connie Deal, Savannah, Georgia
So sorry to hear of Richard’s passing. My condolences to his family. Richard and Uncle Jesse were so nice to me when my parents passed. Richard will be missed by all who knew him.
- Ronnie Byrd, Cumming, Ga
please accept our condolences for your lost of your loved one
- Billly & Yvonne Singleton, Savannah, , Ga
A candle has been lit!
- Mary Ellen Corbell , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- Richard Brown , Georg
Cindy, Richie, Jesse and Patrick, Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time. Richard was loved by all who knew him. He will be missed.
- Anna B Highsmith, Savannah, Georgia
A candle has been lit!
- Anna B Highsmith , Georg
Thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Cindy and the family at this time. We were so sorry to hear about Uncle Richard's passing. We hope that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead
- Clarence (Lee) & Marie Kutscher, Albrightsville, PA
Rest In Peace. You served all other well. You are one person that all who knew you would say “ He is one special and good guy “. Richard was my First Sergeant during my 6 years in the Ga National Guard.
- Karacostas, Savannah, Ga
Our thoughts and prayers of comfort are with you, Jesse and Stephanie, and to your family. We know how much your dad meant to you; and as patriarch to the Byrd family, he will be missed. Erin go Bragh.
- Diane and Skip Sasser, Wilmington Island, GA
Heartfelt condolences to Jesse and family at this most difficult time. Prayers of comfort and peace to all.
- Court Services Division - CCSO, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Roy S Banks, Jr. , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- Leslie Davidson , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- hrissy Carson , Georg
My thoughts and prayers. Are with you Mrs Byrd. Jessie. Richie and Patrick and all his grandkids i ? yall
- Lisa Glisson, Garden, Ga
A candle has been lit!
- ol and Billy Ray , Georg
A candle has been lit!
- Eric and Belinda Burnett, Savannah , Georg
Dear Cindy, Richard, Jesse, Patrick & Family, Richard Sr. was such a special man. We know how much you all loved and cherished him. His smile could light up a room! He was a wonderful Grandad to Richie,III and we will miss him very much. Please know that you all are in our prayers and we know he will be forever remembered as the great husband, father and grandparent he was. Love, Cindy & Mark Kimmel
- Cynthia & Mark Kimmel, Palm Coast, FL
A candle has been lit!
- Kelly and Alex Hunt , Georg
Cindy, Peggy, Steve and family, Richard’s family lived next to my grandparents back in the 40’s. We played together and he was truly one of my most memorable childhood friends. Life separated us, but after years of no contact we reconnected several years ago on FB. I just heard from him several weeks ago and as usual he made me laugh. I too, will miss this special man. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this most difficult time. Rest In Peace dear friend, until we meet again.
- Carolyn Yokum Beebe, Savannah, GA
We are very sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man and friend. When we first met years ago we became instant friends and have been every since. I will truly miss him. When he wanted a job at the Landings I was so happy to help and believe me he did a great job.
- Bob /Joyce Egan, SAVANNAH, GA
Cindy and family, Richard was such a nice and cheerful person. Please know you're in my thoughts and I wish you comfort in all of your memories of him.
- Cheryl Clanton Barker, Savannah, Georgia
Sending you and your whole family love and prayers, Cindy. Richard was a kind and caring gentleman and will be greatly missed....???
- Carol and Mke Kilpatrick, Savannah, Ga
A candle has been lit!
- Barbara Anman , Georg
With caring thought of sympathy for you and your family. Linda Manuel Cleary SHS '56
- Linda Cleary, Tybee Island, GA
A true gentleman! My sympathies to all his family and friends. I will not be able to attend Wednesday’s service, but will be thinking of him that day.
- Lynn Fogarty, ,
A candle has been lit!
- John Broderick , Georg
My sincere condolences to the Byrd family in their time of morning.
- Michael P. McCarthy, West Palm Beach, FL
Our prayers are with the family. It was an honor to call Richard a friend. The Irish community is at a great loss. Rest in Peace.
- Ashley Norris, Savannah,
Sorry to hear of Richard's passing. I didn't know Richard well, but always enjoyed speaking to him at the annual KOC oyster roasts. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
- Craig Zuck, Savannah, GA
One Irish guy I am Going to miss ???? Prayers to all!
- Alicia Coleman, Savannah,
Deepest sympathy on the death of Richard, a unique man. May he rest in peace.
- Burch & Marie Bryant, Savannah, GA
My heart just breaks for you all. He was my favorite uncle. Always made me smile,and be happy.sending you all hugs and love... Patty
- Patricia Rowand Szini, Tonganoxie, Ks
A candle has been lit!
- Patricia Rowand Szini , Kansas
My deepest condolences to family and friends. Fellow Emerald Police Society brother. Geno Rife
- Geno Rife, Savannah ,
Sorry to see that Richard has passed away. One of the good guys. Rest In Peace old buddy!
- Bob White, Greensboro , Ga
Richard was always cheerful and great to be around. My God bless him and comfort his family.
- Brian Michael Counihan, Savannah, GA
Sending our thoughts and prayers to the Byrd Family. What a wonderful man! He will be missed.
- Tom and Sandra Kynerd, Savannah, GA
God Bless and keep your family at this very difficult time. Richard was loved by all who knew him. Please know that he will be sorely missed.
- Harry and Mary Pitts and Family , Tybee Island , GA
A candle has been lit!
- Harry & Mary Pitts , Georg
We lost one of the good guys. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
- Pat Shows, Savannah, GA
Richard is and always will be a great inspiration to EVERYONE! May God bless all of you and be your guide and comfort always. You are deeply loved in circles Love always, Katie
- Katie Mell , Savannah , Ga
A candle has been lit!
- Patrick DeLaRosa , Georg
May God Bless your Soul and see your family thru this difficult time. I will miss sharing our adjutant and Disney stories together. You always had so much to offer to many organizations we shared. Rest well my friend until we meet again.
- Mike and Laura Kenny, Savannah, GA
A candle has been lit!
- Leggett family , Georg
My heart goes out to the Byrd family. Richard is a true patron to the community. He tirelessly and humbly served in many community organizations for others benefits. You will be missed, but always loved.
- Trey Leggett, Savannah, Ga
A candle has been lit!
- Gregory & Cindy Kindred , Georg
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200