Obituaries

Clyde "Buddy" Edwin Byrd Jr.

CLYDE "BUDDY" EDWIN BYRD JR., 62, of Sherwood passed away Oct. 24, 2014. He was born on Aug. 21, 1952 in Little Rock, Ark. He attended and graduated from Catholic High School for Boys. He joined the United States Navy at the age of 19. While in the Navy he was attached to Squadron VAQ-133. His squadron was attached to the USS John F Kennedy based out of NAS Whidbey Island. He helped maintain the squadron's fleet of EA6b's, whose job it was to deploy airborne counter-measures. He met his future wife, Karen Lee Hoffman, who was from Whidbey Island, and the two got married on May 21, 1976. They moved back to Arkansas the following August and bought their first home. On Aug. 21 1979, their first and only child was born, Kyle Edwin Byrd. Clyde was hired by Dassault Falcon Jet to work in the Avionics Department. While working at Falcon Jet, Clyde attended night classes at UALR for Engineering. He acquired his Bachelor's Degree in Engineering and was soon-after promoted by Falcon Jet to the Engineering Department. While working there, Clyde was sent to France by Falcon Jet to help design the Falcon 7x and 8x. Clyde was an irreplaceable component of Falcon Jet. His technical expertise and experience will be sorely missed. Buddy was diagnosed with stage three liver cancer in Feb. 2014. Even though his prognosis was bleak, Clyde maintained a positive attitude until the end. He never complained of his condition or asked for any special accommodation for himself. Clyde remained a pillar for those around him even though he was fighting for his life. Even in his weakened state he was still quick to help anyone in need. He never asked for anything in return and always tried to do the best job he could each and every time. Clyde's love and devotion as a father was always present. He never turned his back on his family or friends, even though he may not have understood or agreed with what they were going through. He faced his death the same way he faced his life: with courage and dignity, headstrong, never showing any fear or remorse for his position. Clyde accepted Jesus Christ into his heart while on his deathbed, and with this acceptance, those that were close to him can rest knowing that one day our paths will cross with his. Clyde was a beloved father, devoted husband, and cherished friend and co-worker. Clyde was a living example of how to live one's life. He will be missed every day that his presence is not felt, his knowledge is not known, and his words are not spoken. From Kyle, "Father, I love you with all my heart. I miss you already. Life will never be the same without you. You picked me up each and every time I fell. You never lost hope for me. You never stopped trying to point me in the right direction. You have left an example and a road map on how to live a good, decent life. You will not be forgotten and your death will not be in vain. Until that day when we see you again, goodbye, Father. I love you. Get some rest." Memorial services will be at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home Chapel, 13801 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock, Ark. 72211, (501)224-8300. If you wish to make a donation in Buddy's memory, a scholarship fund will be set up at a later date. Please sign his online guestbook at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/chenal.

Published October 26, 2014

Upcoming Events