Clifton Merl “Jimmy” Byrd, 86, of the Phillipsville community of Bay Minette, died Sunday, June 1, 2014 at Oakwood, North Baldwin’s Center for Living in Bay Minette.
He is survived by his wife, Willie Lisenbe Byrd of Phillipsville; two sons, John C. Byrd Sr. of Phillipsville and Lawrence C. Byrd of Bay Minette; three daughters-in-law, Jody Byrd of Bay Minette, Jackie Byrd of Phillipsville and Pamela Byrd of Bay Minette; five grandchildren, Lisa Byrd of Bay Minette, Chasity Byrd of Mobile, Clair B. Dorough (Michael) of Bay Minette, John Carlos Byrd Jr. (Elizabeth) of Bay Minette and Clifton Byrd of Rabun; and three great-grandchildren, Swayden Byrd, Mary Syndel Byrd and Caden Dorough.
He was preceded in death by a son, Lewis A. Byrd of Bay Minette.
Byrd was the son of John Henry Byrd and Nancy Phillips Byrd of Perdido. He had lived in the Perdido community for many years before moving to Bay Minette, then to Phillipsville.
He had worked for L&N Railroad as a bridge tender, farmed in Perdido, and in 1973 founded the Burger Barn restaurant and B&B Convenience Stores in Bay Minette, along with his wife and sons.
A 60-year member of Perdido Masonic Lodge No. 753 F&AM, Byrd had served in many positions, from worshipful master to, most recently, as chaplain.
Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m., Wednesday, June 4, 2014 at Norris Funeral Home, followed by graveside services with full Masonic rites at Bay Minette Cemetery.
Arrangements by Norris Funeral Home, Bay Minette.
Online condolences at www.norrisfuneralservice.com.
