Final Salute

Robert (Bob) Eugene Byrd, Sr. of Cape Coral, FL passed away quietly in his sleep at home on October 8, 2024. Born in Chattanooga, TN on August 20, 1932, his mother and stepfather, Jason and Lida Dukes, now deceased, raised him in Baltimore, MD. His father and stepmother, formerly of Hornbeak, TN, are also deceased.
Bob is survived by his wife of 42 years, Cheryl L. Byrd, and stepson, William Herrin. He is also survived by his ex-wife, Edna M. Byrd, and their four children; Robert Byrd, Jr., Cathey Campbell, Cynthia Gaither and Christi Surmont; his sister, Earlene Thomas; and one grandson, Curtis Campbell, predeceased him; but he is survived by two half-sisters and a half-brother in northwest Tennessee. He is also survived by six grandchildren; Toni, JP, Steven, Tyler, Justin, and Greyson. In addition, twelve great grandchildren, six nieces and two nephews called him great grandfather or uncle. He loved his family and they will miss him.
From an early age, Bob always loved classic cars and could be found repairing or restoring them and taking them to car shows in his retirement years. He shared this love with most of his children. He also wanted to serve his country at an early age, nearly managing to join the US Army before reaching the age of 16, an observant recruiter sent him home before he reached boot camp. When he was old enough, he did enlist in the US Navy where he enjoyed a 22-year career and literally did see the world. His deployment locations included Japan, Iceland, Vietnam, Caicos/Grand Turk with the Seabees, on three ships at sea, USS Tolovana, USS Salem, and USS Oklahoma; as well as, numerous locations within the continental US on both the east and west coasts.
After retiring in 1973 as a Chief Petty Officer, Hospital Corpsman, Bob drove beer trucks and Greyhound buses for a year or so, but soon decided on a different post-military career path. Entering into service of his country again, he became a US Capitol Policeman where he was part of the law enforcement unit which protects our US Senators. He could tell some interesting stories about the politicians who represent us, some good and some not so much.
After 16 years Bob retired for good in January 1990, when he and his wife moved to the Outer Banks of North Carolina, an area where they had spent many summer vacations. For the next 19 years, Bob became a more serious car enthusiast, was a member of two car clubs, and took his latest finished car projects to numerous car shows and sometimes winning awards. He and his wife also enjoyed square dancing, an avocation which they had also pursued prior to retirement. During those years they also enjoyed bird watching, sailing (after Bob restored a few sailboats), and time on the beach.
Bob actively supported his wife during her eight years as a County Commissioner in North Carolina, including the political campaigns. One Ranchero with huge political signs mounted in its truck bed was his handiwork. And he became expert at placing yard signs everywhere. His observations of government in action activated his interest in local and national politics, an interest which continued until the end of his life.
In 2009, Bob and Cheryl decided to turn the page and moved from North Carolina to Cape Coral, FL. Bob made and enjoyed many new friends through The New Residents Club (January 2010, subgroup called the Coco-Nuts) and Unit 118 of the Fleet Reserve Association. He also continued to tinker with cars as long as his health permitted. He wanted to be in Florida and thrived during most of 15 years of life here.
No funeral or memorial services will be held. A Remembrance Celebration will be held in the future for members of his large extended family. Baldwin Brothers Funeral & Cremation Society in Cape Coral is handling final arrangements.
Both, Bob and his wife Cheryl, share the following sentiment with you:
“When I am gone, remember me and grieve for me if you must.
But please know that I’ve had a long and happy life.
Let’s be glad that we’ve had so many years together.
We’ve shared a lot of love and you’ve given me more happiness than you know.”