Richard Evelyn Byrd

BYRD, Richard Evelyn, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, June 28, 2009, at his home in Berryville, Virginia, with his family by his side. The 86-year-old apple grower had been in failing health for several months. Richard Evelyn Byrd was the son of Senator Harry Flood Byrd Sr. and Anne Douglas Beverley Byrd; and a nephew of Arctic explorer, Rear Admiral Richard Evelyn Byrd Jr. and orchardist, Thomas Bolling Byrd. "Dick" Byrd was born in Winchester, Virginia, in 1923. He attended Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, and Washington & Lee University in Lexington, Virginia. He did distinguished service in General Patton's 10th Armor Division during World War II. In 1947, he married his wife of 58 years, Helen Bradshaw Byrd. Together they had three children, Richard Evelyn Byrd Jr., Lucy Bradshaw Byrd, and William Benton Byrd. The family first lived at "Avenel" in Clarke County and later moved to his father's home "Rosemont," where he lived for 30 years. In 1948, he established the canning division of H. F. Byrd, Inc. where he later served as president from 1966 to 1980. For many years, he served as president of Winchester Cold Storage, Inc. He was a member of the board of trustees of Colonial Williamsburg from 1975 to 1993, where he served on the finance committee. He is survived by his brother, Senator Harry F. Byrd Jr.; son, Richard Evelyn Byrd Jr.; daughter, Lucy Byrd Dorick; son, William Benton Byrd; Stephen Dorick and Robin Byrd; four grandchildren, Kristina Dorick, Katherine Dorick, Bradshaw Byrd, and Matthew Byrd; and family caregiver, Carolyn Tavenner. Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. Friday, July 3, 2009, at the Old Chapel Cemetery in Clarke County with The Rev. Canon Dwight L. Brown officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 333 W. Cork St., Winchester, Va. 22601. To view obituary online and sign guest register, please visit www.endersandshirley.com or 540-955-1062.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.