Norman Richard Byrd Jr.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Norman Richard Byrd Jr., 77, affectionately known as Normie or Papa. Normie resided his entire life in Hastings, Florida. He had chronic kidney disease and a few other health issues that had recently diminished his quality of life. On Friday, April 25, 2025, he left his earthly body, surrounded by his family at Flagler Hospital.
Normie is survived by his wife of 58 years, Gwyned Byrd, his son Stacy Byrd, daughter and son-in-law Mindy and Obie Lands, brother Terry (Faye) Byrd, sister Debbie Baughman, and his "in-laws", Mitzi Byrd, Larry Click, Doyle Sirmans, and Vickie (Edward) Stewart. He was a proud Papa to Brandon (Margot) Byrd, Joshua (Kaysie) Lands, Austin (Ashton) Byrd, and Holly (Kym) Johnson-Lands. But his true joy came from spending time with his great-grandchildren, Macie and Walker Byrd, and knowing he had 2 more on the way. His family also included numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Norman Sr. and Helen Byrd, brother Barry Byrd, "in-laws" Leon and Dorothy Simans, Ronald Sirmans, and Carolyn Click.
Normie was a simple man who enjoyed the simple things. Before his recent illness, he was an avid deer hunter. He was a member of Gopher Ridge Hunting Association and a few other local hunting clubs. In his final days with us, many of his conversations centered around family, guns, hunting, deer, and crabs. Those were the things most important to him.
He was always a hard worker and a provider for his family. In his early career, he was a Land Surveyor for ITT in the development of Palm Coast. Later in the 80s, he became a Commercial Crabber until his retirement a few years ago.
While his physical presence is gone, his legacy will remain in our hearts, in our minds, and we will continue those hunting stories for generations to come. Rest In Peace, Papa!
A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, at Pellicer Creek Cemetery. There will be a reception immediately following the service at Mt. Olive Baptist Church
8250 Co Rd 13, Hastings, FL 32145. Those desiring may send messages of sympathy and encouragement by going to his tribute page at: https://www.stjohnsfamilyfuneralhome.com/obituaries/norman-byrd-3/#!/TributeWall.
St. Johns Family Funeral Home of St. Augustine is in charge of arrangements.