Richard Merrill Byrd

Richard Merrill Byrd obituary, Parksley, VA

Richard Merrill Byrd

Richard Byrd Obituary

Obituary published on Legacy.com by Thornton Funeral Home & Cremation Center on Jan. 10, 2026.
Richard Merrill Byrd, 73, of Horntown, husband of Lisa Cooke, passed away on January 7, 2026 in Horntown, VA.
Born on May 18, 1952 in Nassawadox, VA, he was the son of the late Jesse Merrill Byrd and Fannie B. Ballard-Alvis. Richard worked for Waste Management until he retired in 2012. He was a member of New Church First Baptist and loved going when he was well enough. He also enjoyed going to the race track, whether it was drag racing or dirt track.
Other than his wife, Lisa, Richard is survived by a son, Benjamin John Byrd; a sister, Eva Porter of Sanford, VA; grand-daughter, Brittany Lynn Byrd; and great-grand-daughter Nova.
There will be a time of remembrance at 1 PM on Sunday, January 11th at New Church First Baptist Church.
Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made to New Church First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 237, New Church, VA 23415.
Arrangements are by the Thornton Funeral Home in Parksley, VA.
To sign the guest book online, visit: www.thorntonfuneralhome.net
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Richard Merrill Byrd, please visit our floral store.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Richard Byrd's Guest Book

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January 11, 2026

Pamela Glenn Crandol posted to the memorial.

January 10, 2026

Phil & Lisa Snyder posted to the memorial.

January 10, 2026

Thornton Funeral Home & Cremation Center posted an obituary.

2 Entries

Pamela Glenn Crandol

January 11, 2026

I'm so sorry to hear about Richard's death. I'm praying for all the family. I pray that all your memories will help ease the pain of your lose.

Phil & Lisa Snyder

January 10, 2026

Sorry to hear about your Dad. May you keep him alive with your memories.
Phil and Lisa Snyder

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Thornton Funeral Home & Cremation Center

24183 Chadbourne St, Parksley, VA 23421

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Sign Richard Byrd's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

January 11, 2026

Pamela Glenn Crandol posted to the memorial.

January 10, 2026

Phil & Lisa Snyder posted to the memorial.

January 10, 2026

Thornton Funeral Home & Cremation Center posted an obituary.