Richard W. Byrd

Richard W. Byrd, 79, of Sheridan, died Wednesday, October 24, 2012. He was born November 7, 1932 in Elizabeth, New Jersey, son of George and Alma Bryson Byrd. Mr. Byrd was reared and received his early education in New Jersey. After graduating from high school, he entered the United States Army. After his military service, Mr. Byrd graduated from the Dickinson Law School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He served as a prosecuting attorney, municipal court judge and owned and operated his private law practice before retiring in 2001. Richard was a dive master, enjoyed fishing and dancing, loved life and never met a stranger. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Kristin Eaton. Survivors include his wife, Michele Spharler Byrd, whom he married April 27, 2001 in Cookville, Tennessee; three daughters, Catherine Haupt of Thousand Oaks, California, Laura Hickman of Nashville, Tennessee and Karen Byrd of Franklin, Tennessee; step-son, Jared Langston of Pine Bluff; step-daughter, Jenica Davis of Sheridan; and 10 grandchildren. Funeral services will be 1:30 p.m., Saturday, October 27, 2012 in the Chapel of Ralph Robinson & Son with Reverend Pam Estes officiating. Burial will follow in the Veterans' Section of Graceland Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Robinson's. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association Central Arkansas Regional Center, 1202 Main, Suite 215, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202. Online register: www.ralphrobinsonandson.com.