Sammy Kaye Byrd

Sammy Kaye Byrd went to meet his heavenly Father on February 25, 2026. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Jane; his daughters Mitzi Dickerson (George), Ashleigh Schreiner (Robert), Terri Barnes (Mark), and Anita Cooksey (Bret); 15 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and his niece, Kerri Walls Perry. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Jessie Byrd, and his sister, Betty Walls.
Sammy was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Altus, Oklahoma, and a man of deep faith. He was known by family and friends for his sense of humor, practical jokes, and love for animals. He enjoyed coon hunting, mule riding, and spending Sunday afternoons watching the Dallas Cowboys - especially when they were winning.
Born in Hess, Oklahoma, in 1937, Sammy lived in Victory before moving to Altus, where he spent the rest of his life. He graduated from Altus High School in 1955 and proudly served in the Oklahoma National Guard.
As a young man, Sammy worked as a veterinary assistant at Haines Veterinary Hospital. In 1960, he took a position at Sherwin-Williams, first as the credit manager and then as branch manager. During that time, he was also part owner of Altus Honda. He spent a total of 38 years at Sherwin-Williams, retiring in 1998. He then became a full-time rancher, as well as raising and training hunting mules.
Sammy was a man of integrity, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.
The celebration of life for Sammy Byrd will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Mar. 4, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Altus, 300 N. Main Street, officiated by Chaplain Col. Mark Barnes, USAF (Ret.)
Arrangements and cremation are under the care of the Lowell-Tims Funeral Home and Crematory.