William (Bill) Daniel Byrd, age 74, traded years of pain for an eternity of peace on Aug. 10, 2024.  He was surrounded by family as they worshiped him home and he passed from glory to glory.

Bill’s adventure began Oct. 19, 1949, in Lake Charles, La.  He grew up with a simple life in the country, graduated Marion High School in 1967, and then served his country in the Bravo Unit of the Army in Vietnam.  Shortly after his return, his Volkswagen bug was hit by a reckless driver, it was love at first sight when Sandee stepped out from behind the wheel.

Sandee introduced him to a whole new world including worldwide travel, shopping, and listening to classical music.  Together they ran a successful business, Seven-O-Electric, raised two independent daughters, and later adopted a son.  They spent many years touching lives through bus ministry and being willing to go into the “highways and byways.”  Bill not only financed multiple ministries and missionaries, but also traveled to the mission field himself.  He served on the Lions Club and had a big heart for helping others.  His family was his heartbeat, especially if he was helping them kill a deer or working on the farm!

His parents were there to welcome him home, Melton and Floy Mae Byrd.  Left behind to carry on his legacy are his wife of 51 years, Sandra Byrd of DeRidder; daughters, Heather Harris of Lake Charles, Ada Sparks (husband, Peyton) of Wisner; adopted son, Alexx Hebert (wife, Haley) of Leesville and grandchildren, Adelynn Hawkins (husband, Jared, children, Layla and William) of Sulphur, Alaina Goins of N.C., Kamille and Daniel Sparks of Wisner, Sam, Luke, Eliza Hebert of Leesville, and Teddy Harris of Lake Charles, La.  His siblings will also keep him close; sister, Carolyn Corkran (husband, the Rev. James) of Bridge City, Texas, and brothers, Larry Byrd (wife, Laura) of Moss Bluff and Lee Byrd (wife, Marcy) of Sulphur and a host of nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be (grandson) Daniel Sparks, (nephews) Josh Byrd, Ben Byrd, Paul Byrd, Brian DeWayne, Kurt Waibel, Andrew Roberts, Shaston Gray and Eric Griffin.

Friends and family are invited to share memories Monday, Aug. 12 from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at Grace Church in DeRidder. Life will be celebrated Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 11 a.m. at Grace with the Rev. George Lee Glass, the Rev. Peyton Sparks and the Rev. Alexx Hebert officiating.

Condolences can be made at chaddickfuneral home.com