Leon Byrd, Sr.

Elder Leon Byrd, Sr. passed peacefully from this life the night of April 29, 2023, after a gradual decline in health. He was surrounded and supported by his loving family and hospice staff during the last days of his life. Elder Byrd was born August 4, 1959, in Port Allen, Louisiana, to Fern Byrd Gray and the late Willie Byrd, Sr.

Elder Byrd accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Christ Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Warner. He was educated in West Baton Rouge Parish School System. He met the love of his life, Wanda, and they married in 1978. To this union two children were born.

Elder Byrd was employed for 10 years with the Baton Rouge Clinic. After many years in Louisiana the family relocated to Jacksonville, Florida, where he started working for Load King Manufacturing and worked there 31 years as a supervisor, forklift operator, team leader and trainer until his health began to fail. Elder Byrd was a licensed minister and elder and was a member of Community Freewill Baptist Church East Florida District Union.

He enjoyed serving as an Assistant Pastor preaching the word of the Lord, softball, basketball, football, being with his family, teaching Bible study, and playing with his grandchildren and family time.

Elder Byrd was preceded in death by his stepfather, Emel Gray, father, Willie Byrd, Sr., and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Elder Byrd leaves to cherish memories of 45 years his loving wife, Wanda; daughters, LaTonya Byrd of Jacksonville; Anastasia Almonte Veras of St. Petersburg, FL; sons, Leon Jr. of Jacksonville and Tyrico Byrd of Abilene, TX; grandchildren, Yasmine Byrd, Kai'den Byrd, Kailee Bowman and Ravohn Edwards. He also leaves to mourn his mother, Fern Byrd Gray of Port Allen, LA; sister, Lisa Lands (Anthony) of Baton Rouge, LA; brothers, Willie Byrd, Jr. (Lula) of Baton Rouge and Leroy Byrd Sr. of Port Allen; aunts, Elizabeth Ealem (Leroy) of Baton Rouge, Vivan Gray and Shirley Mae Byrd both of Port Allen and Jeneva Ruffin (Ray) of Lafayette, LA; uncle, Mumford Harrison, Jr. of Port Allen; sisters-in-law, Donna Craig of Brusly, LA and Brenda Kelley of Baton Rouge; brother-in-law, Myron Craig of Brusly; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

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