William Byrd

Ninety-six blessed years; far more than this wonderfully humble father, grandfather, great-grandfather great-great-grandfather and friend to all who knew him, could have ever anticipated. WILLIAM LEON BYRD, born on May 25, 1929 in Luzerne Township, Fayette County,Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10,2025. “Willie,” the name by which he was best known, grew up in Labelle, PA, where he was raised by his incredibly loving aunt Eunice, who at the same time cared for her mother and raised Willie’s cousin Lenora. He attended Maxwell Elementary and Brownsville Junior and Senior High Schools. In his high school years, Willie played the trumpet in the marching band. But, while he found great joy marching up and down football fields and playing at half time, the thought of getting a job after graduation was the real music to his ears. Willie’s first job after graduation was at the nearby Maxwell Mine followed later by a transfer to the Karen Mine near Brownsville. While working in a coal mine was daunting by its own right, Willie and two buddies caught media attention in November 1954 for their unique method for getting to work. Unless weather conditions precluded, Skipper Willie and his mates crossed the Monongahela River in an outboard powered skiff. Willie’s mining experience gained him recognition on several levels to include certificates for his service, achievements in coal mine safety and accident prevention, and for the completion of mining safety and first aid courses. Not satisfied with limiting his career options to mines, Willie studied welding and blueprint reading,attending a school during the day while working the night shift at the mines. His effort led to a lengthy career at Fruehof Company in Uniontown. Willie left the area in 1965 to take a job with Westinghouse Corporation in Baltimore, where he worked for 29 years before retiring in 1994. Although officially retired, Willie wasn’t about to slow down, renovating the insides and outsides of the house and working on cars. “Willie liked being busy!” After several years of retirement and relentless encouragement from his son Gregory, Willie learned to play golf; often playing three or more times each week. Whether playing at his “home” course Forest Park or around the Baltimore area, in recognition of his golf prowess, his golf buddies nicknamed him “Fairway Willie”. Preceded in death by his parents, this much loved and honored gentle man leaves so many to grieve his going home. Among those who will cherish Willie’s memory include: Delmus & Kathy, son and daughter-in law; Greg & Wanda, son and daughter-in-law; Bernadine & Lester; daughter and son-in-law; Breon, Dermayne, Sharar, Lacey, and Demarious, grandsons; Mia, granddaughter; Brandon, Nathan and Christopher, great-grandsons; Aubry, great-granddaughter; Jaxen greatgrandson; Isaac, great-great grandson; Lenora, cousin; Chante, second cousin; and an untold number of friends. A consummate “DIY” (Do It Yourselfer) and master of improvisation May you now rest in the bosom of the Lord.

Tributes

William Byrd

May 25, 1929 - August 20, 2025