Jay Byrd
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Frankie Jay Byrd, 84, of Dalhart, TX passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021. We all know he was greeted by brother, Vanus, Mom and Dad as well as a host of others he was longing to see.
Jay was born in Dalhart, TX to Leona (Warren) Byrd and Marion Riley Byrd on September 6, 1937. He ranched in New Mexico for several years and came home to Dalhart to farm and eventually ranch as well. He owned several parcels of land then purchased his dream the "Pritchard Ranch" North of Dalhart, it was during this time he contracted "Guillen Barrett" and had to learn to walk again. He soon retired and sold the ranch and farmland.
He loved to fish, which took him to Arkansas on the White River, Conchas and Ute Lakes in NM and many others. He took his RV and boat and fished at Eagle's Nest Lake, NM, which he really enjoyed. He had a host of fishing buddies. Since he could no longer ride his horses and punch cattle, fishing was a good outlet.
Jay is survived by his wife, Margaret of Dalhart, TX, daughter, LeAnn (Gary) Hessman of Sublette, KS, son, Matt (Karen) Byrd of Amarillo, TX, five grandchildren: Brandi, Bradley, Ariana, Michael and Jakob, two great grandchildren: Braydon and Freya Mary, two stepsons: Kurt (Keitha) Keplinger of Amarillo, TX, and Bryan Keplinger of Amarillo, TX, three step grandchildren: Blayne, Lance and Brodie Keplinger, four step great grandchildren: Saevid Keplinger, Brantlee and Lynlee Keplinger, and Raygan Jay Keplinger, two brothers: Chester Byrd of Amarillo, TX and Bill (Susan) Byrd of Dalhart, TX, plus a host of nephews and nieces as well as other relatives and many good friends.
He is preceded in death by parents, Marion Riley "Buster" Byrd and Leona (Warren) Byrd, brother, Vanus Byrd and two children.
As per Jay's wishes, his ashes will be scattered by plane over the sand hills of the Pritchard Ranch by his nephew, Cody Byrd, with the kind permission of the owner, Cliff Skiles.
A come and go memorial visitation for Jay will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2021, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the ROC 1000 E. 16th St., Dalhart, TX.
Please send memorials to your favorite charity.