John R. Byrd

March 12, 1934 - February 3, 2020

Mr. John Raymond “Baby” Byrd . . . Born March 12, 1934, in Bowling, Kentucky, to the late Walter Byrd and Sue Hazel Sublett Byrd, gained his eternal rest at the Greenwood Nursing Rehabilitation Center in, Bowling Green, KY, on Monday, February 3, 2020, at the generous age of 85 years. John attended State Street High School and retired from the Army of the United States after 26 years of service. At an early age, John was a member of the Seventh Street Baptist Church. At present, John was a faithful and dedicated member of First Baptist Rockfield. “Baby” as those closest to John called him was a golfer and enjoyed watching golf on TV. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing, playing cards, and going hunting. John would get up early go out hunt rabbits, bring them home cook rabbit and gravy and whip up some of the best biscuits from scratch that you have ever eaten to go along with it. John was previously employed by American National Bank and Murray Guard, providing security for both places. John also worked for the Warren County Sheriffs Department as a Deputy Jailer for six years. John was married to the love of his life Norma Gene Smith Byrd, who preceded him in death, along with sons, Josephus Byrd, Bradford Byrd; and siblings, Donna M. Baker, Walter E. “Buddy” Byrd, and Wilhelmina Byrd-Whitney. John “Baby” Byrd leaves to honor and cherish his memory his children, Rev. Brian Keith (Cheryl) Smith, Nashville, TN, Minister Boris Kaelin Byrd, Bowling Green, KY, Brenda Karol Byrd-Solomon, Bridgeport, CT, Bridgette Konstance Smith, and Donna Byrd, both of Bowling Green, KY; 5 grandchildren; 9 great-grandchildren; brothers and sisters, Phillip Byrd, Alfred “Laney” Bowman, Anna L. Young, Geraldine Banks, Vanice Jones, Marsha Byrd, Regina Bowman, all of Bowling Green, KY, Judith Roney, Indianapolis, IN; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. A special thank you to John’s grandson Andreas Solomon who was very devoted to taking care of his grandfather and his niece Melanie Edison who was faithful in seeing that John often had a lovely home-cooked meal when he was at home. Sincerely, -Your friends at Burnam and Son