Ralph E. Byrd's Obituary
Ralph E. Byrd went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 20, 2026. He was born in Orlando, Florida to Ralph E. Byrd, Sr. and Jeanne Ann Byrd (predeceased) who were living in Plymouth, Florida at the time of his birth.
Ralph is survived by his faithful loving wife of over 40 years, Judy O. Byrd. He is also survived by his three sons, Trey Byrd - wife Jessica, Paul Byrd - wife Rachel, Ron Byrd - wife, Danielle, and one daughter, Sherri Lynn Adams (who went to heaven before him).
Grandchildren, who lovingly called him "Papa" are Michael Bates, Tiffany Krail, Heather Joiner, Joshua Adams, Reagan Byrd, Jackson Byrd, Taylor Byrd, Nolan Byrd, Truman Byrd, Madison Byrd, Austin Byrd, Learin Byrd and Chance Byrd.
Great grandchildren include Lillian Bates, Olivia Bates, Hailey Bates, Alyssa Billings, Alonna Krail, Matthew Collins and one great, great grandchild Eliana White.
Ralph is survived by one brother, Ronald Byrd, wife Barbara, and two sisters Ruth Ann Byrd Key and Melody Capehart and many nieces, nephews & cousins.
Ralph was a devoted Christian man and served God with all of his heart, words, and actions. He faithfully read his Bible and he also lived according to the word of God. He served in several leadership positions in churches throughout the years, serving as an Elder, Deacon, Sunday School teacher, and Royal Ranger leader. Ralph and his wife, Judy, also began a Christian Singles Ministry in 1985 in Hawthorne, Florida which met in their home and continued for several years. Ralph built a beautiful homestead for his family in Leesburg, Florida in 1991 which he and his wife, Judy, together named "Glory Oaks."
Ralph worked a few short-term jobs early in life but he began his career job at Florida Telephone, which is now Century Line, in 1973. He retired after 35 years of excellent service. His last position title was Network Planning Engineer. He and his wife, Judy, also started a very successful wedding business named "A Beautiful Celebration" and worked together offering full wedding packages for over ten years.
Ralph was a very gifted and creative multi-talented artist. He used his talent for the Lord at every given opportunity. He loved drawing, painting, routering original woodworks, sand blasting and he created many beautiful original works of art. He also loved spending time with his children, grands and greats creating various forms of art and always encouraged them to use their God given gifts and talents.
Ralph loved riding his motorcycle and rode it almost every day for many years. He also rode it over the Blue Ridge Mountains, the famous "devils tail" and many other special locations.
He also owned some trail bikes which he trained many grand children how to ride. Safety was his first concern and enjoyment next. He loved riding the trail bikes with family in the beautiful woods and trails which he carved out at "Glory Oaks".
Ralph was a warm fun-loving man, always had a smile and he was notorious for making family laugh with unexpected comments or jokes. The older he got the more his sense of humor blossomed - for real!
Ralph is greatly loved and will be greatly missed - but we know, without a doubt, that WE WILL SEE HIM AGAIN if we follow his example. He made Jesus Lord of his life and lived in accordance with God's holy word - fully serving the Lord with gladness until the day God called him home!
The family invites friends to gather for visitation Thursday April 30, 2026, at 12:00pm with services following at 1:00pm at Page Theus Funeral Home 914 W. Main St Leesburg Florida. Graveside committal services will follow at Lone Oak Cemetery - 306 Thomas Ave, Leesburg FL 34748.
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