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OWENSBORO, Ky. — Jerry Ralph "Big Papa" Byrd, 75, of Owensboro, peacefully flew in to the arms of his Savior on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018, in his home surrounded by his loving family with "Tiger Rag" playing in the background. He was born May 30, 1943 to James Ralph Byrd and Mae Byrd Grogan.
Jerry attended Clemson University for pre-pharmacy before graduating from The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston as a registered pharmacist.
He was a pharmacist at Greenville (S.C.) General Hospital for 14 years before moving to Owensboro with his family to become director of pharmacy at Mercy Hospital. He worked at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital until his retirement in 2011.
Jerry served his country in the Army Reserves as a Staff Sergeant from 1965-1972. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Owensboro, where he was a former deacon and a member of the Maverick Sunday School class.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean Edwards Byrd, his daughters Christy Todd and husband Kelvin and Melissa Yates (Peter Brondum), and his son Zachary Byrd and wife Chelsea, his beloved grandchildren, Nathan and Mathew Todd, Davis and Cooper Yates, and Mia and Lea Brondum; his mother, Mae Grogan; and a brother, Danny Grogan. He was preceded in death by his precious granddaughter, Kaia Byrd, and his father James Ralph Byrd.
Jerry loved his Lord, his family, his Clemson Tigers football, and his faithful dogs, Macho Man and Avery. He loved telling stories (whether they were embellished or not) and being surrounded by his children and grandchildren. His quick witted sense of humor was one of his best qualities and served him all the way up to his passing.
Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church. Visitation was from 2-6 p.m. Sunday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory and from 10-11 a.m. Monday at First Baptist Church. Private graveside services will be held.
Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to First Baptist Church, 230 J. R. Miller Blvd., Owensboro, KY 42303 or to Friends of Sinners, 326 Clay Street, Owensboro, KY 42303. Memories and condolences for the family of Jerry Ralph Byrd can be shared at www.glenncares.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Jerry gave me my first pharmacy job as a tech when I was 18, that was over 30 years ago! Because of him and the start he gave me, I've had a long and successful pharmacist career. HIs impact has been felt far beyond those pharmacy walls and will not be forgotten. Thank you Jerry and my deepest sympathies to your loving family. Lisa Harrod (Martin)
Lisa Harrod
Coworker
November 23, 2018
Please accept my heartfelt sympathy for the loss of your loved one. Jeremiah 29:11, 12 assures us that God is thinking thoughts of peace towards us, to give us a future and a hope, and that if we come and pray to Him, He will listen to us. May you have peace, in this time of deep sorrow.
November 9, 2018
I would like to offer my sincere condolences to the family for your loss loved one. JEREMIAH 29:11 assures us that God is thinking of peace towards us, to give us a future and a hope. May that bring you comfort in this time of deep sorrow. PSALMS 9:9
MARCEL T
November 8, 2018
Jean, I have so many fond memories of the both of you when we were at Brushy Creek. Please know that mine and Irene's prayers are with you at this time.
Ken & Irene Crain
Ken & Irene Crain
November 8, 2018
Jean & family,
Thinking of you, sorry we were unable to be there as we had returned to Florida. I will always cherish the brief visits I had with Jerry recently, only wish I had done more of it over the years as your neighbor and friend. I will never forget the kindness and service Jerry provided us when my mother was in the hospital, he always went above and beyond. Pray his faith and God's promises comfort you as they did Jerry! Our sincerest condolences to each of you.
Arthur (& Debra) Harreld
Neighbor
November 6, 2018
Jean and family - we were so sad to learn that Jerry had passed away. What great times we will remember from your days in Greenville, SC. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Our sincere sympathy. Dock and Barbara Rose - pharmacy friends.
Barbara & Dock Rose
Coworker
November 5, 2018
Thinking of you all today and remembering the Byrd- he was a great man and helped me take care of our patients many times in the ICU - CCU and Cathlab.
Liz Emery
Coworker
November 5, 2018
Jean, I am so very sorry for your loss. I fondly remember Jerry from the hospital and remember stories you laughingly shared about 'Big Papa'. My condolences to you and the rest of your family.
Sharon Cooper
Coworker
November 5, 2018
So very sorry to hear about Jerry's passing away. My condolences go out to you and your family, Jean.
Jeff Erb
Friend
November 5, 2018
I'm so saddened to hear of the passing of Jerry. I met Jerry when he was a relief pharmacist for me many years ago. He was absolutely a great guy! I'll look forward to seeing him again. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family. May the Lord comfort you with his peace and may knowing that Jerry is now in your future and not your past be a comfort as well.
Paula Moore
Friend
November 1, 2018
Loved this man and precious family!
David and Bonnie Bivins
Friend
November 1, 2018
Much LOVE & PRAYERS forJean and ALL THE FAMILY
Flo Garrett
Friend
November 1, 2018
So very sorry for your loss, Jean. Praying for you and your family.
Liessell Hamilton
Friend
November 4, 2018
Honestly, in my 30yr hospital career, I have never met a more knowledgeable, helpful, kind and caring pharmacist. You could ask Byrd anything. If he did not know that second...which, he usually did, he got right back to you with an answer. He truly cared about the patient and the nurse. Loved his southern accent as well. Once told him when I was in am ER panic that just calling pharmacy and hearing his voice took my anxiety down several notches. He was a great, great man. I miss him to this day when I have to ask a pharmacy question. Rest In Peace Jerry. Jean, I will be praying for you. He sure loved you. Last time I cared for him, he went on and on about how wonderful you were. May God be with all of you. He will never be forgotten.
Gwen Roby
Coworker
November 3, 2018
So sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I worked with him for years at Owensboro Medical Health System in the Pharmacy.
Rhonda Sartain
Coworker
November 2, 2018
Jean,I am so sorry to hear of your loss.My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Mary Estes
Friend
November 2, 2018
Mrs. Jean. I am sorry for your loss with Mr. Jerry. Oh man how much he will be missed by you. He was an amazing, dedicated, man of God. He was my papa for a while too. I'll never forget your family's generosity to us. I will be praying for you as you enter a new phase of life without him by your side.
Summer Alexander
Friend
November 2, 2018
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Funeral services provided by:
Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory - Owensboro900 Old Hartford Road (at Breckenridge), Owensboro, KY 42303
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