Raymond Ellis Byrd, age 69, of Lucedale passed away May 25, 2024. He was a heavy equipment operator at Tri State Pole and Piling for many, many years before his retirement. Raymond enjoyed hunting, fishing, and camping at Black Creek in his younger years. He continued to greatly enjoy hunting and fishing in his later years and made several trips to Wyoming and New Mexico to hunt Mule Deer and Elk with great success. He enjoyed spending time with friends and family and especially with his grandsons Cody and Wesley Smith.

He is preceded in death by his life partner of 37 years, Brenda Diane Beuk; parents, Ruben “Chippy” and Marie Byrd; sisters, Martha Moye, Darnel Byrd and Ora Lee Byrd Mallette; grandson, Wesley Kyle Smith; brother, Billy Joe (Shirley) Byrd;  

Those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Buffie Smith Cooper; grandson, Christopher Cody (Sierra) Smith; brother, Henry (Cynthia) Byrd; sister, Margaret Byrd; many other friends and family. He was greatly loved by everyone who knew him and many knew him as “Big Daddy.”

The family will hold a Graveside Memorial Saturday, June 8, 2024, beginning at 10:00 AM at Crossroads Free Pentecostal Church Cemetery with Bro. Alfredo Raymundo officiating. 

Moments Funeral Home, locally owned and operated, is honored to be in charge of arrangements.