Vernon Leon Byrd, age 81, of Mobile, AL passed away on September 12, 2020 at his residence in Mobile, AL.  He was born on July 12, 1939 in Monroe County, AL to the late Patrick Garvey and Myrtle Lee Croley Byrd.  He served in the United States Army and retired from International Paper Company with over 27 years of service.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Clyde Calvin Byrd and his sister, Lilly Helon Hale.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Melba Jernigan Byrd; his sons, Michael Byrd of Mobile, AL and Christopher (Mesha) Byrd of Grand Bay, AL; his daughters, Brenda (Lee) Harding of Theodore, AL and Lisa (Lee) McDonald of Theodore, AL; his sister, Sarah Baxter of Mobile, AL; fourteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.

Graveside service will be held Friday, September 18, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. at Springhill Primitive Baptist Church Cemetery in Wawbeek, AL with Elder Dawson Standaland officiating.

Active pallbearers will be Cheyne Russell, Joshua Russell, Justin Biggs, Kameron Byrd, Tim Brown and Stephen Roley.

Honorary pallbearers will be Greg Echevarria, Kevin Echevarria and Greyson Byrd.

Visitation will be Thursday, September 17, 2020 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home.

For the safety of you and others, please practice social distancing requirements, though wearing a facial mask is strongly encouraged.

Johnson-Quimby Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements.