Rudolph Austin Byrd

Rudolph is survived by his wife of 72 years, Lucille Byrd of Gladewater, daughter Terry Jones of Gladewater, daughter-in-law Kathy Byrd of Gladewater, and son-in-law Bill Hunter of Oklahoma. He was blessed with nine grandchildren Matt Byrd, Mark Byrd, Cindy Dick, Cathy Barbee, Kalina Martin, Krista Crisci, Kyle Martin, Kalyn Geddie, and Colt Jones. Further blessings came from 15 great grandchildren and two great, great grandchildren. Rudolph is preceded in death by his son Larry Byrd, daughter Wanda Hunter, son-in-law Alton Jones, and a great granddaughter Jessica Spence.

He was born on October 24, 1920 near Rhonesboro, Texas to J.J and Maude Byrd. Rudolph worked in the shipyards in 1943 where he met and married Lucille on May 6, 1944. Several months later he was drafted. Following the end of WWII, Rudolph began working at La Gloria Refinery in Tyler. He remained at the refinery for 28 years until he retired from his position as Leaderman in the welding department in 1981. Rudolph was an outdoorsman and fisherman that loved to share his passion with family and friends and a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Gladewater.

Memorial services will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at Tyler Memorial Funeral Home, 12053 State Highway 64 West, Tyler and all are welcome to attend and celebrate Rudolph's life. Please make memorials in lieu of flowers to Heart'sWay Hospice of Longview or to the charity of your choice in his name.