Raymond Marion Byrd

Raymond Marion Byrd, a longtime resident of Semmes, Alabama, graduated to heaven to be with our Lord and Savior on October 22, 2024, after battling a brief diagnosis of stage four b-cell lymphoma. He was 83 years old. Raymond was born July 13,1941, in Mobile, Alabama. He was the son of the late Frances Marion (FM) and Lillie May Byrd (Whittman).
Survivors include his wife Jeanette Lyles Byrd, brother-in-law Chester M. Lyles, his children Braxton Randall (Randy) Byrd (Rebecca L.), Rachel Ann Byrd Shaddix (Ronald A.), Michael Marion Byrd (Pamela J.); grandchildren, Mary-Claire Byrd Marshall (Garrett), Jessica Lynn Byrd Bernal (Ryan); his great grandchildren, Joseph Garrett III and Braxton Randall Marshall; his sister, Anita Joyce Skipper (James), his auntie, Marlaine Byrd (Lonnie) and many cousins, nephews, and nieces.
Raymond is preceded in death by his parents Frances Marion (FM) and Lillie Byrd, his sister Mazie Ann Byrd (Donald R. Smith), and brother William Frank Byrd (Lisa).
Raymond lived a life full of science, adventure, and the love of Jesus and family. He was large in stature, but even larger in heart. He was a graduate of Semmes High School (1959) and a retiree from Alabama Power's Barry Steam Plant in instrumentation. Raymond married his wife, Jeanette Lyles (Byrd) in 1963. Raymond attended the University of Alabama where he studied electrical engineering, and in turn was a big Alabama football fan. He had many accomplishments in the world of science. In the early years of his career, he participated in a Work Study Fellowship sponsored by the United States Air Force, EGEEIA at Brookley Field where he worked on a study project for the United States Air Force Proving Ground Center FPS20 tropospheric-scatter radar over Cuba. Raymond also worked for the Radio Branch ZMMWE, completing an installation project in Sondrestrom, Greenland, for the government of Denmark. Raymond's career in science exploration continued as he took a job in the field of medical electronics for the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute in Pensacola, Florida. Here he began research under the direction of Dr. Ashton Graybiel where studies consisted of the effects of weightlessness and acceleration on human balance, spatial orientation, physiology, and performance that helped prepare America's astronauts for manned space flights. During this time, he became a research team member that participated in parabolic flight experiments alongside Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Edwin "Buzz" Aldrin, and Michael Collins. During Raymond's science exploration career with the Naval Aerospace Medical Institute, he simultaneously attended Liberty Bible College and received a Ministerial Theology Degree.
After experiencing the calling of God on his life, in 1972 Raymond resigned from NAMI to pursue a life in the mission field. Raymond, Jeanette, and his three children sold all they had and became missionaries in Papua, New Guinea, where he preached the gospel, sang hymns to the remote villages, and worked for the Department of Posts and Telegraphs to create radiotelephone outstations. Raymond and his family returned to Pensacola in 1974 where he taught at Liberty Bible College and directed the college studio, producing ten nationwide TV programs, radio programs, and cassette tapes. In 1977, Raymond transitioned his life back home to Semmes, Alabama, where he began working for Alabama Power's Barry Steam Plant in instrumentation and later was a Training Analyst for Barry University.
Raymond retired in 1997. Retirement allowed for Raymond to travel the United States and Canada by motorhome with his wife Jeanette, build a fully functional solar farm for his homestead, play countless games of dominoes at the Semmes Senior Center, volunteer at Semmes Heritage Park and for the City of Semmes, volunteer with Encounter Church, and spend many evenings with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He was the family historian, always recording videos or taking photos at family events and sharing his life story. He was a collector of computers, rocks, gadgets, information, and could fix just about anything. He also had his pilot license and built his own home. Raymond enjoyed all things STEAM, researching ancestry, being a pastor and spreading the gospel, but mostly spending time with his family and loving Jesus. He had a clear, strong voice that could be heard above the crowd and was never shy about praising his Savior in worship. He will be remembered both for his strong presence, and also his compassionate heart. A wake will be held at 11:00 A.M. at Encounter Church on Saturday, October 26, 2024, with a funeral following at 12:00 P.M. The graveside service will take place following the wake and funeral service at Valhalla Memorial Funeral Home 8730 Sims Rd Eight Mile, Alabama 36613.