Jerry "Big Papa" Byrd

Jerry Ralph "Big Papa" Byrd, 75, of Owensboro, peacefully flew in to the arms of his Savior on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, in his home surrounded by his loving family with "Tiger Rag" playing in the background. He was born May 30, 1943 to James Ralph Byrd and Mae Byrd Grogan.

Jerry attended Clemson University for pre-pharmacy before graduating from The Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston as a registered pharmacist.

He was a pharmacist at Greenville (S.C.) General Hospital for 14 years before moving to Owensboro with his family to become director of pharmacy at Mercy Hospital. He worked at Owensboro Health Regional Hospital until his retirement in 2011.

Jerry served his country in the Army Reserves as a Staff Sergeant from 1965-1972. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Owensboro, where he was a former deacon and a member of the Maverick Sunday School class.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Jean Edwards Byrd, his daughters Christy Todd and husband Kelvin and Melissa Yates (Peter Brondum), and his son Zachary Byrd and wife Chelsea, his beloved grandchildren, Nathan and Mathew Todd, Davis and Cooper Yates, and Mia and Lea Brondum; his mother, Mae Grogan; and a brother, Danny Grogan. He was preceded in death by his precious granddaughter, Kaia Byrd, and his father James Ralph Byrd.

Jerry loved his Lord, his family, his Clemson Tigers football, and his faithful dogs, Macho Man and Avery. He loved telling stories (whether they were embellished or not) and being surrounded by his children and grandchildren. His quick witted sense of humor was one of his best qualities and served him all the way up to his passing.

Funeral services will be held Monday, November 5 at 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 2:00-6:00 P.M. Sunday at Glenn Funeral Home and Crematory and from 10:00-11:00 A.M. Monday at First Baptist Church. Private graveside services will be held.

Expressions of sympathy may take the form of contributions to First Baptist Church, 230 J. R. Miller Blvd., Owensboro, KY 42303 or to Friends of Sinners, 326 Clay Street, Owensboro, KY 42303. Memories and condolences for the family of Jerry Ralph Byrd can be shared at www.glenncares.com.