Daniel Byrd

Daniel B. Byrd Jr., 74, passed away on May 23, 2023, at Avante of Ocala. He was born in Tampa, Florida on September 30, 1948 to Daniel B. Byrd Sr. and Wilma Milton Byrd of Gainesville.

In Dan's high school years, he played football (nose tackle) and also enjoyed playing classical guitar. He graduated from Gainesville High School's class of 1966. After high school Dan moved to Tallahassee, attended Florida State University and graduated in the class of 1975.

Dan taught photography at FSU and taught middle school history. He was the IT person for several schools in Marion County. He was proud of his years as a radio/communications engineer for the Florida departments of Forestry and Fish & Wildlife. He used to say, "through rain, heat, and skeeters, he kept the good communications going..."

Dan was an avid reader and it's hard to think of him without books or computers. He also enjoyed woodworking and was excellent at it, especially finishing work. He had a keen attention to detail. He loved being on the water and shared many wonderful memories of fishing with son David and sailing with daughter Amanda. He also taught grandson Tristan to swim.

Dan was predeceased by his parents, Daniel Sr., and Wilma Byrd.

Dan is survived by his wife, Brenda Byrd of Ocala, son, David Byrd of Sarasota, daughter, Amanda Byrd of Ocala, daughter, Nicole Walters of Jacksonville and grandson, Tristan Henry of Jacksonville. He left this world too soon.

A Celebration of Life service and reception will be held at 10:00 am Saturday, June 10, 2023, at Christopher Hall of Ocala, located at 1510 Southeast 3rd Avenue.