Joel J. Byrd passed into the arms of his Savior after a life deeply lived and fiercely loved. He was 87 years young and surrounded by family in his final moments.
He was the world’s greatest husband, dad, grandpa, and great-grandpa; not just because we say so, but because he was. If you ever sat with him, even once, you know the truth of that. Joel was married to the love of his life for 69 faithful, joy-filled years. Together, they built a life rich in family dinners, travel, love, laughter, and stories we’ll be repeating for generations to come. Whether he was casting a line, tracking a deer, or just “piddling” in the yard with no particular goal but plenty of purpose, he did it all with a quiet joy. He loved the simple things: black coffee, a good breeze, donuts on the back porch, and visits from his grandkids. Joel was a God-fearing man, and though we cry for our loss here on Earth, we rejoice in the peace and complete healing he has found in Heaven.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Woody Byrd and Leonard Byrd, and one sister, Cosette Simmons.
He leaves behind his beloved wife of 69 years, Aubrey Jean; his children Joel Byrd Jr (Joey) and his wife Penelope (Penni) of Charleston, SC, one daughter, Mary Ann Revell and husband Tommy of Ponce De Leon, FL; three brothers, Wilmer Byrd, Hilton Byrd and Archie D. Byrd and wife Linda all of Ponce De Leon; his five sisters, Sharon Galloway and husband Gary of Sweet Gum Head, FL, Janet Baxley and husband Gordon of Prosperity, FL, Karen Osteen and husband George of Ponce De Leon, FL ,Kathy Marsh and husband Donnie of Ponce DeLeon, FL; Jean West and husband Johnny of Ponce De Leon. FL, his grandchildren Julianne Cribbs and her husband Paul, Katherine (Katie) Bachelier and her husband Andrew, Natalie Nunn and her husband John, Asa Byrd and his wife Halie, Peyton Byrd; great-grandchildren Aubrey Cribbs, Anderson Bachelier, Parker Bachelier, William Byrd, Ainsley Powell and her husband Logan; his great-great grandchild Grant Powell; and countless family members, friends, and all who had the good fortune to know him.
We will never stop missing him, but we will carry his strength and legacy of love with us always.
A time of visitation will be held from 9:00 – 10:00 AM, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel; 230 Park Avenue, DeFuniak Springs, Florida 32435.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Tuesday, July 15, 2025 at Clary-Glenn Funeral Home Chapel; with Reverend J.B Miller officiating.
Flowers are being accepted.
Pallbearers will be Peyton Byrd, Asa Byrd, Mark Smith, Paul Cribbs, Andrew Bachelier and Anderson Bachelier, and Allen Byrd.
Burial will be held at New Ponce De Leon Cemetery in Ponce De Leon, Florida.
