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Willie Byrd Obituary
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Willie James Byrd, Sr., also known as, "Byrd", age 89, of Fort Walton Beach, Florida, was born on May 11, 1936, in Goshen, Alabama to Willie Andrew Byrd and Bertha Mae Clax.
Willie was a Concrete Business owner for more than fifty years and took great pride in his work. He was a legend in the community, and never met a stranger. He was greatly respected and loved by many. Willie loved to cook and entertain for family and friends, watch The Maury Povich Show, eat, sleep and crack jokes. He will truly be missed.
Tuesday Morning, May 13, 2025, the Lord relieved him from the burdens of this world and called him home. He will forever be Loved and missed by the family and friends he left behind, but will be received by those who preceded him in death: his father, Willie A. Byrd and his mother Bertha Mae Clax; his wife, Irene Sheffield-Byrd; sons, Willie James Byrd, Jr. and James Edward McDonald; daughters, Amy Farrior and Edith Campbell; as well as, long time Companion, Racine Rouse.
Memories of Willie will forever be cherished by his children: sons, Willie Lee Byrd, Willie Charles Thompson, Timothy Sheffield, Darwin Bragman and Donnie Sheffield; daughters, Brenda Thompson, Janice Thompson, Vanessa Tucker, Katherine Smiley and Antionette Bridges; brothers, William "Jr." Byrd, David Byrd, Luke Byrd and Leroy Blunt; sisters, Amanda Byrd–Madlock, Sarah Byrd, and Mary Moody; and sister-In-law, Myrtle Brantley. He had a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren and family and friends; too numerous to name.
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Jerry Ritch
August 2, 2025
Rest in peace my dear friend. Jerry Ritch
Josephine T Sheffield
May 24, 2025
My condolences to the family,
Sheila Demons
May 24, 2025
My Condolences to the Family of Willie James Byrd Sr RIP
Sheila Demons
Joey and JUlie Richburg
May 23, 2025
Joey and I send our heartfelt condolences to PeeWee and the entire Byrd family. I have heard so many great stories about Mr. Byrd and my father n law, Pete. Just knowing that he has plenty of family members that he leaves behind to carry on his legacy brings peace and comfort to our community. We are here for you all. May God bless you and watch over you all during this difficult time.
Joey and Julie Richburg
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Sandy Johnson-Magnolia Medical Clinic
May 23, 2025
I will miss seeing Willie at the clinic. I so enjoyed his fun personality and us joking around with each other. He was such a great man.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Byrd family.
Love you guys
Rose and Phil Heiden
May 21, 2025
So sorry to hear about the loss to the Bird family, your patriarch, "Mr. Bird." He was the first person in this neighborhood that spoke to me and my husband Phil when we moved onto Poplar 20 years ago. I will miss talking to him on his drives. Him and his little chihuahua dog by him baking/growling up a storm. On my walk in the neighborhood last week, by his house, with our new chihuahua dog, I thought about stopping so he could visit with the dog. Even thought of asking him if he wanted her. But the thought came too late. I will miss our talks and him calling my old woman and me saying who you calling old.
Sheila Demons
May 19, 2025
My Condolences RIP
Keicah Rouse
May 16, 2025
Sending sincere prayers and condolences to the entire family and friends (we will miss seeing him driving around the neighborhood) Rest Easy Mr. Byrd-aka James Byrd.
Bill & Keicah Rouse
James Campbell
May 14, 2025
Pee Wee, so sorry to hear of your father´s passing. My condolences to you and your family
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113 Racetrack Road NE, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32547
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