On Thursday, August 6, 2020, William H. ("Bill") Byrd, loving husband, father, and grandfather passed away at age 69. Bill was born on February 23, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan, to William Harry Byrd, Sr. and Marilyn Ann Langs. He received his BA in Political Science and Economics from Auburn University and was proud to be a "War Eagle." On July 22, 1972, Bill married Cathy Boyd, and they recently celebrated 48 years of marriage. Bill began his sales career with Procter and Gamble before transitioning to television sales/management. He was General Sales Manager for WSFA 12 News in Montgomery, Alabama for 9 years; WAKA in Montgomery; and WBRC in Birmingham, before moving to Panama City, FL. Bill was General Manager at WMBB News 13, Panama City, from 1992 until his retirement in 2008. Bill loved being retired on Deer Point Lake, but was never one to sit idle; he did Operations and IT work for the Panama City Rescue Mission for three years. He also volunteered assistance to several church ministries with website development and later was webmaster for Crossing Paths, Inc. In addition, he provided support for the Titus 2 Partnership ministry, of which wife, Cathy, is Executive Director. He served on the Board of Directors for Salvation Army and Habitat for Humanity, as well as other civic organizations. Bill was also active in the Blue Lake and Bethlehem Emmaus Communities.

Bill knew and loved his Lord and Savior, so his family is comforted that they will see him again one day. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, but is survived by his wife Cathy; son, William Wiley Byrd (Joni), Panama City Beach, FL; daughter, Charlotte Ann Byrd Donlon (Timothy), Birmingham, AL; grandchildren, Catie Melton Byrd Kelley (Andrew), Kennesaw, GA; Haley Ann Byrd Wilt (Evan), Washington, DC; William Harry Byrd, III (aka "Liam") Panama City Beach, FL; and Riley Bell Donlon and Brady Cole Donlon, Birmingham, AL. Mother-in-law, Charlotte Boyd Woodham (Joe), McDonough, GA; In-laws: Carol and Boyd Andrews, Montgomery, AL; Jim and Carol Boyd, Leesburg, GA; Dan and Marcia Boyd, Plains, GA; Cousins: Carol Echols (Dr. Robert Echols, deceased), Cullman, AL; Debra Turner (W.C. "Curly" Turner, deceased), Montgomery, AL; Jimmy Little (Rebecca), Opelika, AL; along with other Byrd family cousins.

A Celebration of Life ceremony has been scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2020, 10 A.M. at Bay Haven Charter Academy, 2501 Hawk's Landing Blvd, in the outside courtyard. Comfortable, casual attire is recommended.

Those wishing to honor Bill's memory with a donation may contribute to: The Missions Fund of Lynn Haven UMC, www.mylhumc.net/give/ ; Alaqua Animal Refuge, 914 Whitfield Rd., Freeport, FL 32439, www.alaqua.secure.nonprofitsoapbox.com/donate; or Titus 2 Partnership, Inc., P.O. Box 35482, Panama City, FL 32412,

www.titus2partnership.org. Expressions of sympathy maybe submitted and viewed at www.southerlandfamily.com

Southerland Family Funeral Home
1112 Ohio Ave.
Lynn Haven, FL. 32444
850-785-8532

Published by Panama City News Herald from Aug. 10 to Aug. 11, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for William Byrd

Sponsored by The News Herald.

8 Entries

Pati Adams

August 18, 2020

Bill was an extremely loving kind man. When I needed help with our website at the Pregnancy Resource Center, I would call him and he would always say "Well, when do you need me and what time?" When he got to the center, he immediately walked right over to the coffee maker, got a huge cup of coffee, then came into my office and said " Okay, I am here lets get to work and see what I can do to help." I loved his attitude and was truly a kind hearted gentleman. Even though I did not see him that much, we had some good conversations on the phone. Cathy, I know you will miss the love of your life, but just image what he sees now that he is in Glory with our Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. I will be praying for you and your family. Our staff at the Pregnancy Resource Center will keep all of you in our daily prayers.

Ken and Hannah Davis

August 14, 2020

Cathy,
Please know that we share your sorrow in the passing of Bill. Sending you and your family lots of prayers and hugs.

August 13, 2020

Cathy, I wish I could have met Bill. He sounds like a wonderful man. I know he will be missed by many. Our condolences from Charleñe and Woodie Hodge

Michael Overstreet

August 13, 2020

Cathy, please accept my most heartfelt sympathy for your loss. While I didn't know your husband, I have heard the most wonderful things about him from people who did. We are so appreciative of the time and support you have given our clients at TJC and owe a huge debt of gratitude to Bill for sharing you with us!
People of faith such as us know Bill's passing is just that.....a movement to a most heavenly and peaceful place where I'm sure he is being welcomed by all the loved ones who passed before him. An eternity of peace! It is what we all yearn for and what we anxiously await when it is our time to go to our heavenly home. Bill will be there when you arrive someday with arms outstretched!
In the meantime, please know I am here for you. If you should need anything I am standing by. May our Precious Lord's peace be upon you and your family during this challenging time.
God Bless!
JudgeO

Dianne Dalrymple

August 13, 2020

Cathy and family, so sorry to hear. Sending tons of prayers to you and your family. Take care

Jennifer Williams

August 12, 2020

He was a strong man that spoke his mind. He knew where he stood. He loved his wife and family and always wanted to help others. He made such an impact on my husband, myself, and our family. It has been such a blessing to know Bill. He’s resting now and that’s ok, but he will be missed.

Lt. Col. Michael H. Sarra, USA (ret.)

August 10, 2020

Offering our deepest condolences during our difficult time. As a fellow "Auburn Tiger", Godspeed.

Priscilla Costa

August 10, 2020

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

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Memorial Events
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Celebration of Life

10:00 a.m.

Bay Haven Charter Academy

2501 Hawk’s Landing Blvd, FL

Funeral services provided by:

Southerland Family Funeral Home

100 E. 19th Street, Panama City, FL 32405

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