Eddie RV Byrd, Sr.

Eddie Byrd, “Poppa”, “Big Swede,” “Junior”, “ Eddie Nun”, and “Big Poppa Pump”, departed this life, peacefully at home and transitioned to his eternal heavenly home on March 16, 2023. Eddie was 71 years old. He was a great husband, father, Poppa, brother, uncle, and friend. He was quite a character. If you knew him, you never forgot him. Eddie was born on Monday, September 17, 1951. He grew up in Mount Vernon, AL, with his parents: Swede and Ressie Byrd, and his siblings: 6 brothers and 5: sisters. He was an athlete and a spoiled baby brother.

Poppa married the love of his life, Emma Ruth, more than 50 years ago. They were inseparable. They loved each other, traveled together, and made many great memories with their family. Eddie graduated from Citronelle High School Class of 1971. He attended Bishop State Community College. Upon graduating, he entered the United States military and retired after 23 years of service. During his career, he worked at Searcy Hospital as a stock clerk. He worked as a boiler maker at Mitternight Boiler Works. He worked as an electrician at Bender Shipbuilding. At the end of his career, he worked in construction as a pipefitter. For countless years, Eddie coached Little League baseball. He has taught many young men about the art of baseball. He was an example of what a leader should be. He was the epitome of strength and determination. Eddie fought as hard in his final days as a young man with great vigor. He loved Auburn football. His favorite NFL team was the New Orleans Saints. He was a die-hard New York Yankees fan. His most favorite thing to do was watch his grandsons play baseball and football. There was no better place to be than at the ballpark. Poppa, as his kids and grandkids called him, was loved dearly. He was a wonderful dad and grandad. His children and grandkids were special to him and held a special place in his heart. Left to carry on his memory is his wife, Emma Byrd. His children: Eddie Byrd Jr.(Mitzy), Rodney Byrd(Shanoa); Dana Reed(Carl Jr); Jodie Byrd(Mack Jr). Grandchildren: Morgan Byrd, Ethan Byrd, Brandon Byrd, Leland Byrd, Holden Byrd, Emmi Byrd, Casten Reed, Calan Reed, Caplyn Reed, Cavin Reed, Mackenan Byrd, McClain Byrd, and Emberleigh Byrd. He also leaves behind: 5 great-grandchildren: (twins) Cullen Johnson and Remmalyn Johnson, Ethan Byrd Jr, Amelia Byrd, and Brantley Byrd; 5 sisters: Nelrie Carroll, Nancy Chestang(Ray), Shirley Byrd, and Katherine Harvey(Donald) and many other family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his children in heaven: an infant: Todd Gabriel Byrd, and William “Big Will” Byrd, who was 15 years old. Big Will and Poppa had a special bond. He coached him in baseball and taught him many skills of the game and the importance of sportsmanship. Traits he also passed down to all of his children. Also by his parents Swede and Ressie Byrd, brothers: Villard Byrd, Framon Byrd, Herman Byrd, Verbin Byrd, Willis Byrd, Printess Byrd, and sister Lola Taylor. 

A wake will be held Sunday, March 19, 2023, begnning at 6pm, at Hickory Grove Church.  The funeral service will be held at 1pm Monday, March 20, 2023, at Hickory Grove Church with Bro Robert Byrd officiating.  Burial will follow in Byrd Cemetery.

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