Keith Alan Byrd, age 51, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2022. From his birth on May 6, 1971 until being called to his heavenly home on Friday, February 18, 2022, he touched so many hearts, and loved his family and friends so very much.
Keith was a lifelong resident of Devine, Texas. He knew everyone and everyone knew him. Keith was a spirited child and his love for adventure spanned his entire life. He was immensely social and easy to love. Keith always had a smile and hug for everyone. He was incapable of being anything but authentic.
Keith loved his church family and always looked forward to times of fellowship where he was received with the love of Christ and was accepted just as he was. He was a momma’s boy and loved her so much. They say there is a special bond between mothers and sons and this was certainly true for Evelyn and Keith. She was his hero and he wasn’t ashamed say it. He told anyone who would listen in fact. Keith also shared with others his gratitude for his dad’s unconditional love. Through many ups and downs, Richard never gave up on Keith and Keith knew his dad’s love was steadfast and strong. Richard helped lead Keith to Christ and Keith loved his dad so very much. Keith recently expressed to several family members how thankful he was for all his mom and dad have done over the years. He loved his sister and nephews would often comment of how proud he was of all of them. Keith had a special connection and love for his aunts, uncles, and cousins and the memories shared are cherished.
From the time he was born, Keith had a special bond with his “Uncle” Ricky. Keith was the ring-bearer in Ricky’s wedding and was always a fixture on the back of Ricky’s motorcycle, at the racetrack and at the shop. Keith adored Uncle Ricky and it was with Ricky that Keith learned collision repair and put his artistic skills to good use for many years. Many didn’t know that Keith was a very talented artist and enjoyed drawing and creating. Keith also worked in the oil fields and learned carpentry from Mr. Carroll. He had many contacts at the health center that celebrated and loved him and Keith considered them family.
It was widely known that Keith loved adventure. Riding dirt bikes and motorcycles was at the top of that list. He was riding as early as he was walking. Keith loved animals and was also proficient at riding horses. If you lived near Calame Store Road, you probably saw him standing atop a quarter horse, bareback, racing another neighbor. He spent a season of his life as a jockey in west Texas and loved every minute of it. Recently, he received Bebo, a Watusi bull, as a birthday gift from a dear family member. He bottle-fed this baby to the big boy he is today. Bebo loved Keith and occasionally you would even catch him sticking his head in the front door of Keith’s cabin to watch a little television from time to time. Keith had a lifelong passion for animals and was rarely without one of his furry companions.
Keith accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and made a public profession of his faith. His family is comforted knowing that today he is in the arms of our heavenly father.
Keith is survived by his parents, Richard and Evelyn Byrd; sister and brother-in- law, Tammy and Rickey Williams, nephews; Nicholas, Blake and Greyson, his grandmother, Refugia “Cookie” Ricord, as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceding him in death were his precious grandmother, Betty Shuman, his Papa Loran “Shorty” Ricord, Aunt Wanda Malone, Aunt Betty Colangeli and countless others. We know there is a joyous reunion happening in heaven right now. Praise be to God!