JOHN CLINTON BYRD, 82, of Crisfield, died Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at his home.

Born in Crisfield November 9, 1928, he was a son of the late Merrill Byrd, Sr. and Ella Marie Hartman Byrd.

He joined the US Army in 1951, and was discharged in 1966 with the rank of Sgt. Major. He continued his employment with the US Government as a US Army Civil Service employee retiring in 1994.

He was a member of Immanuel United Methodist Church, Crisfield Elks Lodge #1044, Stanley Cochrane Post #16 American Legion, and Crisfield VFW Post#8274.

He enjoyed TV, his remote control, Pepsi, and his paper.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Ruby Bonneville Byrd; a niece, Anita Byrd and her son Justin; several cousins; and numerous other family members. He was also survived by a special little girl in his life, Madison Marsh, who affectionately called him "Johnny Boy".

Along with his parents, he was also preceded in death by his brother, Merrill O. Byrd, Jr. in 1988.

Funeral services will be Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 2 PM at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home in Crisfield. The Rev. Terry Riggin will officiate and will be assisted by Pastor Mark Massey. There will be no public viewing; however, the family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment with military honors will be in Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory are requested to be sent to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802-1733.

To send condolences to the family, please visit www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com