Richard W. Byrd
Richard William Byrd, 83, of Winchester, Virginia, died Saturday, February 13, 2016, at his home surrounded by family.
Mr. Byrd was born in 1932, in Dayton, Virginia, the son of the late Bernice and Claude Byrd. He was a graduate of Madison College (now James Madison University) receiving a Master’s Degree in Education. Mr. Byrd was a veteran having served in the United States Army (Security Services) during the Korean War, achieving the rank of SGT. He was a retired Teacher and Principal with Prince William and Fairfax County Schools. Richard was a member of Braddock Street United Methodist Church in Winchester, Virginia and a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church in Manassas. In addition, he was a member of the Manassas Lions Club and the American Legion. He loved music, boating, fishing, reading, woodworking, gardening/yard work, spending time with his grandkids, and traveling with his wife Elaine.
He married Elaine Smith Byrd on June 12, 1960, in Deep Run, North Carolina.
Surviving is his daughter, Donna Gabler (Robert) of Greensburg, Pennsylvania; son, Glenn Byrd (Laura) of Woodbine, Maryland; grandchildren, Matt Byrd, Brian Byrd, Nathanael Gabler and Austin Gabler; sister, Martha Cline of Lynchburg, Virginia; brothers, Edward Byrd of Dayton, Virginia and Tom Byrd of McLean, Virginia.
One brother, Harry Byrd, preceded him in death.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, February 17th, from 12:30 – 1:30 PM, with a celebration of life service at 2pm at Grace United Methodist Church, 9750 Wellington Road, Manassas, Virginia, with Reverend Rudy Tucker officiating. Graveside service will be Saturday, February 20, at 11am in Westview Cemetery, Kinston, North Carolina.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace United Methodist Church – Building Fund, 9750 Wellington Road, Manassas, Virginia 20110.