Herman L. "Rip" Byrd

H. L. “Rip” Byrd passed away September 20, 2005. Rip was born August 28th. 1928 in Houston, Texas. Rip was the only child of Jim and Irene Byrd. Rip is survived by his wife of 54 years, Frances, and three sons Rod Byrd, Rex Byrd, Warren Byrd and one daughter Michelle Byrd Burns. He also has two daughters- in-law Pam Byrd and Cheryl Byrd and one son in law Brent Burns. There are six grandchildren Clint Byrd, Chad Byrd, Lisa Byrd, Cindy Byrd, Emily Byrd and Courtney Byrd Burns. Rip grew up in Huntsville and basically lived here all his life. After high school he graduated from S.F.A. in forestry and then enlisted in the U.S.M. C. and became an officer. He went to Korea and served his country. He was discharged as a captain. In 1953 Rip began work as a field forester for Champion Paper Company and lived in Livingston seven years. In 1960 he moved back to Huntsville and in 1963 he went into partnership with J.C. and Dorothy Walker in Walker Brother Lumber Company. They also opened Walker-Byrd, a retail lumber and home-builder supply store; Raven Timber, a pulpwood business; and Rip Byrd Properties, a real estate property company. Rip has held a membership in the Texas Forestry Association since 1951 serving in several capacities through the years. He was President of the Association two different years and was also a member of the Society of American Foresters. He actively participated in the upstart of the T.R.E. program, a reforestration program. Rip joined the First Baptist Church in 1938 and was baptized. He has been a deacon of First Baptist Church for many years and served in any way the church needed him. Rip served on the Board of directors for the First National Bank and was a director for the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce. He was a Mason, a Shriner, and a Jester. Rip helped organize a local Shriners Club, and served as its inaugural president. He was also chosen as distinguished alum for S.F.A. He received the honor from Society of American Forestors as “A Fellow .” Rip Byrd was a man dedicated to the ideals that all people hold most dear. For his entire life, he has been serving God, his country his community and his family. Where his priorities were was never unclear; it is in his generous and loving spirit that so many around him have found comfort, strength, and powerful inspiration to succeed. He will be missed by all who loved him. Funeral services will be held at the First Baptist Church of Huntsville at 1:00 p.m. Thursday September 22, 2005 with the Rev. David Valentine officiating. Military honors will be held at graveside by the American Legion Post #618 Honor Guard of Willis, Texas. Masonic Rites will be held graveside by Forrest Lodge #19 AF& AM. Interment will follow at Ebenezer Cemetery under the direction of Sam Houston Memorial Funeral Home. The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 21, 2005 at the funeral home from 6 to 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church Rip Byrd Memorial Fund. Those wishing to leave memorial condolences to the family may do so at www.shmfh.com.

Herman L. "Rip" Byrd

August 28, 1928 - September 20, 2005