Obituary
Monroe Ernest Byrd
Monroe Ernest Byrd, 86, passed away Friday, September 24, 2010, at Haven Hospice, Lake City, Florida.
He leaves his dear wife of 61 years, Ada Christie Byrd, beloved daughters, Karen Byrd Allen (Ron), Teresa Byrd Morgan (Dan), and Margaret Louise Bordley, and grandsons Paul Monroe and Grant Michael Allen, Jason Daniel Morgan, and Lawson Monroe and Joseph Christie Bordley. He also leaves one great-grandson, William Monroe Allen.
Born and raised in Branchville, South Carolina, the eldest son of Ernest Monroe and Mae Tant Byrd, Mr. Byrd is survived by brothers Maurice and Willard Byrd, and sister Betty Lou Byrd Walker. His brother Gilbert Byrd predeceased him.
Mr. Byrd proudly served aboard the USS Washington from 1941 to 1945, and regularly joined his shipmates at reunions throughout the years. After WWII, he began his lifelong career as an electrician with the Seaboard Airline Railroad. Mr. Byrd was still climbing telephone poles at his retirement from CSX Railroad at age 64.
In addition to his dedication to his family, throughout his lifetime Mr. Byrd faithfully served his church, and considered many of his Grace UMC friends to be extended family.
Funeral services for Mr. Byrd were held Tuesday, September 28, 2010, at 11:00 
am, at Grace United Methodist Church, Gainesville, Florida, with Pastor Denny Heiberg officiating. A graveside service followed by burial will be held Thursday, September 30, at 11:00 am, at the Denmark Cemetery, Denmark, South Carolina. The family received friends Monday, September 27, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm, at Williams-Thomas Westarea Funeral Home, 823 NW 143rd Street, Gainesville. Those who wish may make a memorial contribution to Haven Hospice Suwannee Valley Care Center, Lake City, Florida.
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