The Reverend Lonnie B. Byrd

The Reverend Lonnie B. Byrd, 84, of Fairhope, Alabama, met his Savior face-to-face surrounded by his family members on November 28, 2023. He is survived by his wife of sixty-three years, Beverley Shepherd Byrd; daughters, Mona Crawford (Mickey), Tina Dearborn (Danny), and Lonette Kidwell (Wes); grandchildren, Ariel Crawford Baxter (Leo), Gary Lee Hendrickson (Megan), Joshua Dearborn, Gabrielle Crawford Peel (Ken), Christopher Hendrickson (Brooke), Michael Dearborn, Rebekah Dearborn Williams (Shawn), Krystina Michelle Crawford Foor (Jimmi), Jason Dearborn, Daniel Aaron Dearborn (Jessica), Lonnie Crawford (Kara), Joseph Crawford; 18 great grandchildren; sister, Ophelia Byrd Fuqua, and numerous nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Leonard Byrd, Sr. and Leila Ruth Smithart Byrd; brothers, Joseph Leonard Byrd, Jr. and Hubbart Byrd; and twin sister, Linda Marie Byrd Manning. Being called to the preaching ministry as a teenager, Lonnie served many churches in Alabama, Florida and Louisiana. He proudly served his country as a chaplain of the Alabama Army National Guard for 23 years culminating with service in Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 1999, he retired at the rank of colonel. Although it paled in comparison to his love for his Lord, he was a proud graduate of the University of Alabama. Roll Tide! The family appreciates all the prayers and remembrances and invites you to join them in a Celebration of Life service in the sanctuary at Fairhope First Baptist on Friday, December 1, 2023, at 2:00pm. Prior to the service, there will be a time of visitation at 1:00pm, also in the sanctuary. For those who may not be present, the service will be live streamed on the church’s Facebook and YouTube pages. It will be the honor of his grandsons to serve as pall bearers for the private family burial. Lonnie’s Sunday School Class will sit together as honorary pall bearers during the Celebration of Life service. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to give to the building program of Fairhope First Baptist Church. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 19698 GREENO RD. FAIRHOPE AL. 36532 (251) 990-7775