William Heaton Byrd Jr., 90, of Columbia, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Tifton, Georgia, the son of Hazel Holloway and William Heaton Byrd Sr., both of whom preceded him in death.
William shared more than 35 years with the love of his life, his wife, Sue Byrd, whom he always called his “Sweetheart.” He is survived by his beloved wife, Sue Byrd; his son, William Heaton Byrd Ill, known to everyone as Trey, and Trey’s wife, Ryan Temple Byrd; his devoted daughter, Tiffany Heaton Byrd Egleston, who always knew him as her steady and unwavering rock; his granddaughter, Heaton Monroe Easterling; his son-in-law, Patrick Egleston; his stepdaughter, Kelly Bramble, whom he always considered one of his own and often said he could not have asked for a more wonderful stepdaughter, and her husband, George Bramble; his sister, Jewell Byrd Patterson, his little sister and confidant, whom he loved deeply and trusted fully; and his sister, Sherry Ragin.
A proud graduate of The Citadel, Class of 1957, William went on to serve as a pilot in the United States Air Force. He built a distinguished career as a design consultant and real estate developer, operating William H. Byrd Realty & Construction, a family business started by him and his father, William H. Byrd Sr. He carried it forward for more than 60 years alongside his wife, Sue, who was an integral part of its success in Columbia, South Carolina. His legacy will continue through his children, Trey and Tiffany.
Over the years, he designed and built numerous homes and apartment complexes, as well as notable projects including the redevelopment of the Five Points Theater, now The New Brookland Tavern; The Stage Door and Pug’s Place in Five Points, both of which became well-loved local establishments; and the Five Points Post Office, later transformed into The Lion’s Head restaurant. He also developed River’s End Campground on Tybee Island, Georgia, a project that remains a lasting part of his legacy and many more.
William had a deep love for the water and for boating, counting among his proudest accomplishments the rebuilding of a 34-foot Hatteras, along with many other boat projects over the years. In true form, he stared Hurricane Hugo in the eye and survived, a reflection of his fearless and determined spirit. He also shared a special bond with his German Shepherd, Lady Natasha, “Tasha,” who was rarely far from his side.
Known for his sharp wit, silver tongue, and unforgettable sense of humor, William was intelligent, clever, and resourceful. He never judged others by where they came from or what they had, but by who they were. He had a way of making people laugh and feel at ease, often asking, “What’s your name and where are you “from?” A simple question that made everyone feel seen.
To his family, he was simply Dad and Papa, and there was no one like him.
He loved many and was loved by many, a loyal friend who lived a full and wonderful life. He was especially grateful for his lifelong friendships, including his best friend, Dr. Joe Frank Garner, and the Garner family, particularly Greg Garner, who might as well have been one of his own, as well as Shug Caulder and many of his Citadel classmates, who meant so much to him over the years. One can only imagine they are already waiting for him at the gates, cocktails in hand in Styrofoam cups.
In the end, his body grew tired, but his spirit never did.
A service will be held in Columbia, South Carolina at Dunbar Funeral Home on Devine Street, April 9th at 2:00 pm. A second service and inurnment will take place at a later date in Charleston at The Citadel’s Bell Tower and Chapel.
He will be missed more than words can express and will remain forever in our hearts.