About
Robert Byrd Obituary
Robert Allen Byrd, Jr. passed away peacefully on July 1, 2014, with his family at his side. Robert was born February 12, 1930 to R. A. "Bobby" and Bernice Stroud Byrd. He grew up on a farm in Bossier Parish, attended grade school in Benton and graduated from Bossier High School in 1947. He enlisted in the Air Force in 1951 and after completing flight school was assigned to a base in Hokkaido, Japan and flew F86's during the Korean Conflict.
After his discharge from the Air Force, Robert became a pilot for Delta Air Lines. His career there lasted 34 years and allowed him to do what he liked most-flying airplanes. He served as Delta's Chief Pilot from 1974 to 1979 before giving up the desk job to get back in the cockpit. When he retired in 1990, he was flying the L-1011.
Robert is survived by his devoted wife of almost 61 years, Sherby Smith Byrd; daughter Patricia B. Painter and husband Mike; son Robert C. Byrd and wife Julie, and son Brandon Byrd and wife Terrye. He is also survived by five grandchildren who brought great joy to his retirement years - Andrew and Kathleen Painter, Avery Byrd and MacKenzie and Maxwell Byrd; other survivors include his sister Elizabeth Byrd Winham of Bossier City, LA, and brother John S. Byrd and wife Elaine of Bossier City, LA.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 5, 2014 at Compass Christian Church, 2600 Hall Johnson Road in Colleyville, TX. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to the Alzheimer's Association.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Katherine Day Loftin
July 14, 2014
My prayers and sympathy to you, Sherby and your family at this difficult time. Bob was always so friendly and fun to be around. He will be missed.
Love, Your cousin.
July 9, 2014
One of the nicest persons I have ever known, easy to know and easy to like. Made my world a much better place, thanks. Sherby my prayers and thought are with you. Benny Newman
Tally & RaNelle Parker
July 8, 2014
We just heard about Bob's passing. He was a special favorite of ours. Sherby, you and your children are in our thoughts. Tally & RaNelle
Mary Swaim
July 7, 2014
Sherby, I only learned yesterday of Bob's passing. My heart goes out to you.
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Nevelyn Faith Brown
July 7, 2014
I am so sorry to learn of Robert's death. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you on this sad occasion.
Mo MacKenzie - active Delta FA
July 6, 2014
Sherby and family--my thoughts and prayers are with you. Bob was always one of my favorite captains--many fond memories. I hope your happy memories will soon make you smile.
July 6, 2014
I was sad to hear about Bob's passing. Growing up across the street from him, he always had a smile on his face and a wave to any of us Huggins'. I remember when he took us up in the control tower when the boy scout troop went to visit. He would always try and see us off at the airport whenever we flew. He was a wonderful man and I am proud to of called him and the whole family, friends. Sherby, I hope that ya'll are doing well and call if you need anything. Love ya'll,
Jerry Huggins
John and Liz Uskovich
July 6, 2014
Liz and I are so very sad to hear of Bob's passing. Bob and Sherby are more than our special friends, they were part of our family. We stayed with them many times on our return trip to Dallas. I was fortunate to fly with Bob many times including his retirement trip. So much fun. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. Bob will always be in our memory and our hearts.
July 6, 2014
DEAR SHERBY AND FAMILY, BOB AND YOU WERE ALWAYS A WELCOME SIGHT ON MY FLIGHTS. WE HAD SO MANY WONDERFUL CONVERSATIONS.
MEMORIES I HOLD DEAR.
CHARLENE HANSON, DELTA FLIGHT ATTENDANT/DFW. FLEW 39 YEARS. RETIRED 2006. WHEN YOU HAVE TIME, PLEASE E-MAIL ME, [email protected]
Captain Byrd
July 6, 2014
RJ McClure
July 5, 2014
There are men there are pilots there are fathers there are husbands there are friends I am proud to have known all of the above. Gods love and guidence to Shirby and the Byrd family.
Bruce Beavers
July 5, 2014
I am saddened to hear of Bobs death. I first met him when I was leaving the USAF and trying to get on with Delta. He was chief pilot at DFW and was instrumental in me getting hired. He was admired and respected by his colleagues at Delta and I considered him a mentor and a friend. Although he is no longer with us, his memory will stay with me forever. Bruce Beavers
John Moran
July 5, 2014
I am sad to learn of Bob's passing. He was a friend and a devoted Airline Pilot. Our association was special, and I shall not forget him.
Bryan, Barbara, Briggs Uskovich
July 5, 2014
We are deeply saddened by Captain Byrd passing. He and Sherby have been family friends for many years. Bob was always such a great guy and a gentle man. My dad has many funny stories about flying trips with Bob on the L-1011 at Delta. He and his lovely wife even came to my USAF pilot training graduation. Please accept our condolences.
Hugo Vihlen
July 5, 2014
Bob was my class mate at Delta, a good stick and a one of the good guys. Fair Winds my friend and Semper Fi.
Larna Essex-Annison
July 5, 2014
So very sorry to hear about Bob's passing. I was a flight attendant for Delta in the early sixties and flew with Bob many times. He was a great pilot and always a gentleman. He tried to help my daughter get on with Delta as a flight attendant and now she is a pilot for USAir. I also grew up in Bossier and graduated from Bossier High so Bob and I had a lot in common. He will be greatly missed. I am so happy I knew him and got to fly with him. The family is in my prayers.
Roy Brown
July 5, 2014
Sherby, our memories and prayers are with you and family. Haven't seen you and Bob in a while but he was a great friend.
July 5, 2014
We will miss a dear, dear friend. Al and Betsy Brown
Ron Knott
July 4, 2014
Precious in the sight of The Lord is the death of His saints (Psalms116:15).
Ralph Wolken
July 4, 2014
Dear Family of Bob,
May those beautiful yesterdays always remain in your heart, and your sorrow gently fade away.
I have very fond memories of Bob. We first met while spending several days together in Kansas City in 1969, as he was preparing me for my first type rating in the DC-9. Training at night, when an aircraft was available, he always remained a good instructor, gentleman, and friend.
Peace, Prayers and Blessings,
Quintessence Custom Picture Framing
July 4, 2014
Please accept our deepest sympathies.
Mary & Bill Felini
July 4, 2014
Sherby, our prayers and thoughts are with you a.nd the family
For the Commanders, Carroll R. Michaud
July 4, 2014
The Final Salute
“Brothers in Arms”, Military men and women down through the centuries, have traditionally exchanged “Hand Salutes” as a sign of recognition and as a way to render courtesy and respect one to another.
This “Hand Salute” is the last that we shall render to Robert Allen Byrd, Jr. our “Brother-in-Arms”. To his family it symbolizes the love and respect that we have for Robert. And to Robert it is rendered as a symbol of honor and gratitude to thank him for the devoted and selfless service he rendered to his country during the Korean War while serving as a fighter pilotin the U.S. Air Force. Robert, we commend you for your honorable service. You are a true patriot, who served with honor and distinction. You upheld the finest qualities of an American patriot warrior: courage, commitment, generosity, sacrifice, love and devotion to family and country. You were a true friend. We bid you a sad farewell. You will be dearly missed from among our ranks. Be at Ease. Rest in Peace.
On behalf of the 1,261 military veteran Legionnaires of Lowe-McFarlane Post 14 of the American Legion and the 233 veterans of VFW Post 2238 in Shreveport, Louisiana, we extend our sympathies and our condolences to Robert's family and loved ones.
Stephen J. Lavery, Commander, American Legion Post 14
5315 South Lakeshore Drive, Shreveport, LA 71109
James Mazariz, Commander, VFW Post 2238
1245 Gary Street, Shreveport, LA 71101
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