Deacon Rudolph Byrd , Sr. Of Jasper, Florida, was born on October 27, 1941 to the late William Edward Byrd and Estella Simmons. Deacon Byrd was proceeded in death by brothers Leonard Lewis, John Edward Simmons and Grandson Durrell Henry.

Deacon Byrd accepted Christ at an early age and later joined Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church where he was ordained as a deacon under the late Reverend George Francis. Deacon Byrd served faithfully as a deacon at Springhill Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Billy Mitchell. Deacon Byrd started serving at New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church New Bethel Missionary Baptist working faithfully under the guidance of Pastor Lorenzo Andrews. Deacon Byrd worked over 40 years in the logging business driving tractors until he became ill. He spent many days rooting for the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Lakers, and most of all his beloved Florida State Seminoles. You could catch him every Monday and Friday night watching WWE wrestling while on the phone with his baby brother Carl Simmons for hours.

On January 4, 2026 Deacon Byrd was called home to be with the Lord. He leaves to mourn a very loving and devoted wife May Bell Byrd. To carry on his legacy he leaves behind his five children. Bobby Price, Sr. ( Letitica),Calvin Flanders(Shelia), Audrey Graham(Anthony), Rudolph Byrd Jr.(Anissa), and Gerette Byrd (Christine).Five Grandchildren, Katrece Graham, Anthony Graham Jr., Bobby Price Jr. (Sabrina), Lyric Robinson( Joshua), Quaneccia Price. 14 great grandchildren. Deacon Byrd is survived by siblings Willie Simmons, Reverend Joseph Simmons, Carl Simmons(April), Minnie Mae Simmons, Doretha Simmons, and Sophia Spaulding. He leaves behind his in laws , Herman McClendon Jr, David McClendon( Narion), Kenneth McClendon (Annette), Joe McClendon (Sandra), Eric McClendon, Irene Bowers ( Samuel), Rosetta Reece,

Tammy McClendon. He leaves his love and memories to very special nephews Kevin and Marcus Williams. God Children Sonja Jackson and Rebecca Howard.

Special brother in law Ira Williams. Special Friends Willie Lee Jackson Sr., Curtis Lee, Annie and Woodrow Jackson, Johnie and Sidney Soule. He leaves to mourn a host of nephews, nieces, family and friends.