Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

Vernon Leon Byrd, 81, of Mobile, passed away on Sept. 12, 2020, at his residence in Mobile.

He was born on July 12, 1939 in Monroe County to the late Patrick Garvey and Myrtle Lee Croley Byrd.

He served in the United States Army and retired from International Paper Co. with over 27 years of service.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Clyde Calvin Byrd; and his sister, Lilly Helon Hale.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Melba Jernigan Byrd; his sons, Michael Byrd of Mobile and Christopher (Mesha) Byrd of Grand Bay; his daughters, Brenda (Lee) Harding of Theodore and Lisa (Lee) McDonald of Theodore; his sister, Sarah Baxter of Mobile; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

Graveside service was held on Sept. 18 at Springhill Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Wawbeek with Elder Dawson Standaland serving as officiant.

Active pallbearers were Cheyne Russell, Joshua Russell, Justin Biggs, Kameron Byrd, Tim Brown and Stephen Roley.

Honorary pallbearers were Greg Echevarria, Kevin Echevarria and Greyson Byrd.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home was in charge of all arrangements.