Richard "Dick" Howard Byrd departed this life to start his final journey on Saturday, January 20, 2018. Born in Columbia, SC on April 22, 1952, he was the son of the late Howard Estes Byrd and Vera Elizabeth Marvin Byrd.

Mr. Byrd is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Rosemary Kahaly Byrd of Hopkins, SC; his children, Peter A. "Drew" Byrd (Elizabeth) of Columbia, SC and Christopher B. Byrd (Catherine) of Pawleys Island, SC; a sister, Dr. Mary Brown of Gainesville, FL; and grandchildren, Perry Cate Byrd and Christopher Finn Byrd. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Dick worked for over 40 years as a Professional Engineer and a Professional Land Surveyor. His career covered a vast variety of civil engineering and surveying projects. He earned the respect of all who knew him professionally. He also inspired and mentored many of his associates and peers. In addition to owning and managing engineering consulting firms, he was a Regional Engineering Manager for Georgia Pacific Corporation, Director of Public Works for Dorchester County, and Chief Engineer for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed spending time boating and hunting. Dick also had a passion for work outside of his career. He loved to work on projects at his home and other properties. He possessed a strong work ethic that was contagious to those around him and had a passion for using his skills and knowledge to help others in need. He was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and friend who will be missed dearly by all who knew him.

The service for Mr. Byrd will be held at 11 o'clock, Saturday, January 27th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext, Columbia with the Rev. Lex McDonald officiating. The family will greet friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family request memorials be made to the Harry Hampton Fund in honor of Richard Byrd, P.O. Box 2641, Columbia, SC 29202, Hamptonwildlifefund.org or Salem United Methodist Church, 7191 Hendersonville Highway, Walterboro, SC 29488.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.