MARION, Va.

Ronnie "Papa" Byrd, age 80, passed away Wednesday, February 14, 2018 at Carrington Place of Rural Retreat.

He was born December 15, 1937 in West Virginia to the late Lee and Opal Byrd. Ronnie Byrd was a constant at Grissom Motor Parts for more than 53 years. Everyone knew Ronnie "Papa" Byrd. He was a devoted Christian, loving husband, father and "Papa". He loved serving his church, East End Baptist, as a Deacon, Vacation Bible School worker, Sunday School superintendent, as well as organizing Children's Church. He was a true "Papa" – always loving children, he also served as a Boy Scout Leader. There are not enough words to describe the good that was and always will be Ronnie Byrd. His passing will leave a big space in the hearts and lives of his family and many friends.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Wendell and Glenn; and sisters, Evelyn, Mary, Brenda and Linda.

Ronnie is survived by his wife, Molly Lucille Byrd of Marion, Va.; daughter, Terry Murphy and husband, Billy of Dublin, Va.; sons, Matt Byrd of Abingdon, Va., Jason Byrd and wife, Belinda of Marion, Va.; daughter-in-law, Tracie Byrd of Wytheville, Va.; two grandchildren, Alicia Hammack and Brianna Wyatt; great-grandson, Talan Hammack; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Courtney DeBord and Julie Baldwin.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 17, 2018 at 1 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Brother Larry Byrd, the Reverend Darrell Lambert and the Reverend Paul Jones officiating. Burial will follow at Rosewood Mausoleum, Rural Retreat, Va. The family will receive friends Saturday from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel.

Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Ronnie "Papa" Byrd.