Visitation: Saturday, November 22, 2025
Visitation Time: 3:00 – 6:00 PM
Visitation Location: Byrd Memorial Church
2140 Sipes Avenue
Sanford, Florida
Service Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025
Service Time: 2:00 PM
Service Location: The Sanford Civic Center
401 E. Seminole Boulevard
Sanford, Florida
Obituary:
On November 15, 2025, this 80th birthday, Sergeant Major (Retired), Reverend Dr. Henry Byrd left his earthly form and joined the Army of the Lord. Rev. Byrd served his country in the United States Army for over a span of 30 years, serving from Vietnam through Desert Storm. Rev. Byrd continued his service to his community as an educator, mentor, and obtained his Doctorate in Divinity before becoming a pastor at Byrd Memorial Church in his home of Sanford, FL.
He leaves to cherish his memory seven Children: Shanda Byrd-Lamar, Taunya Byrd, Henry (Hank) Byrd, Jr., Erick Byrd, Travon Hill (Chakiyah), Kaitlin Byrd, and Calvin Byrd (Zariyah Jenkins-Byrd); Siblings: Gwendolyn Gaston (Henry), Saconda Houston (Noble), Faith Freeman (Dwight), Ralph Byrd (Twana), Edwin Johnson (Phyllis), Gregory Byrd, Brian Byrd (Dianedra).
Grandchildren: Leilani Lee, Octavius Barnes Jr., Braelons Barnes, DaKari Barnes, Desia Byrd, Tia Byrd, Isaiah Byrd, Taina Byrd, Kingston Byrd, Jacoby Byrd, Jarvis Smith, Travon Hill Jr., Serenity Hill, Adrianna Mason, Shayla Jackson-Ahmed (Ferdous Ahmed), Shanekia Lamar, Marquita Lamar, Takeisha Lamar.
Great Grandchildren: Jarvis Smith Jr., Jaliyah Smith, Avonte’ Lamar, Miah Ahmed, Malik Ahmed, Treyveon Buie, Marvin Brown Jr., Nyjheria James, Joseph James III, Jordyn Jackson, Chrishard Hills, Marquan Brown, D’Arri Timms, LaDarries Timms Jr.; as well as a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews, the Byrd Memorial Church Family, the staff of Sunrise Funeral Home, and many friends and associates who will cherish his beloved memory. Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025 from 3-6PM at Byrd Memorial Church, 2140 Sipes Avenue, Sanford. A service of celebration will be held on Sunday, November 23, 2025, 2:00 PM at the Sanford Civic Center, 401 E. Seminole Boulevard, Sanford with Bishop Jimmie L. Blake, Officiating. Interment: Cape Canaveral National Cemetery, Mims with full military honors.
5 Comments
You served God and your country. Rest well. You will be missed
Your blood runs through us all each and every day. Wish I could’ve known you more and that you got to meet your great granddaughter Tiana. I love you. I hope you and god are watching over us.❤️
Lord bless and keep you in his perfect peace until your grand reunion with the Heavenly Father.
Dear Byrd family, I am just finding out about the passing of your love one. I spoke to Henry on 13 November. We did our usual military, and what’s going on in the world catching up. Before ending our conversation we did our normal acknowledgement about God and Him being in charge. My sincere condolences and prayers to each of you. He loved the Byrd family and the church. May God keep your sweet memories in your hearts.
To Ralph and the Byrd Family
I just found out about the loss of your brother, I will continue to keep your family in my prayers.. For all those soldiers, including me that served with him at Fort Campbell will miss First Sergeant.. Twana D. Brown-Bell
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