Eugene "Gene" Byrd

Eugene (Gene) Byrd, 79, of Homeland, FL. passed away on September 23, 2018. Born July 22, 1939 in Chancellor, Alabama to Barney (B.L.) and Irma Lois (Crumpler) Byrd. Gene grew up in Bartow and lived most of his adult life with his loving and loyal wife, Eileen. Gene retired from International Minerals and Chemicals Corporation (IMCC) where he worked at various positions primarily Shipping Foreman at IMCC’s Port Sutton. Gene loved his church, McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church of Bartow where he served as an Elder for Life. One of his joys was cooking and delivering food to local shut-ins. Gene was very proud of his service in the United States Air Force and Air Force Reserves where he served as a Nuclear Weapons Mechanic Specialist. Gene loved sports and played baseball and football in high school and later played semi-pro baseball and Men’s Leagues fast pitch and slow pitch softball. He has coached baseball and softball and was a supporter and fan of Bartow High School Softball. Gene’s loves also included traveling and motorcycles, both dirt bikes and street bikes. Gene stated that his Heaven will be riding his motorcycle in the mountains. Gene was preceded in death by his parents Barney and Irma Byrd, brothers Robert Byrd, Harold Byrd, Wayne Byrd and dear friend Ted Mathis. Gene is survived by his wife Eileen (Wimberley) of Homeland, daughter Susan Byrd of Clearwater, sons David Byrd (Melissa) of Bartow, Jonathan Byrd (Shannon) of Bartow and Chris Miller of Lakeland, sister Myra Tomlinson of Holopaw, brother Kenneth Byrd (Melvin) of Panama Beach, special cousin Collis Lunsford (Mary) of Alturas, dear friend Marilyn Mathis (Ted) of Bartow and 9 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, 11:00 A.M. on September 29, 2018 at McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church, 695 W. Stuart Street, Bartow Fl 33830. A covered dish reception will follow. It is the family wish, that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the McLeod Memorial Presbyterian Church, food program.