Donald Lee Byrd was born December 29, 1939, in Monticello, Arkansas to Benson and Martha Jane Dodson Byrd. His early life was a ''Tom Sawyer'' experience where he was free to roam the woods and hills of Drew County. After High School he attended Arkansas A&M College, but after one year, his free spirit led him to join the United States Army. In 1959 he was assigned to the Hawk missile base in Huntsville, Alabama where he learned to assemble Hawk missiles. His next assignment was in Ansbach, Germany allowing him to explore much of Europe and learn to speak German. After four years, he returned to the states to his family and college.
After his time in the Army, Don earned his college degree in Athletics and minored in Social Studies. Shortly after graduation, he was employed by Monticello Junior High. After several undefeated seasons, he was promoted to the head coach at Monticello High School. Eventually he was led to Clarksville, Arkansas in 1978 to become an assistant coach, head high school football coach and athletic director in 1979 as well as coaching girls track and teaching social studies. This coaching period was the most rewarding part of his tenure thanks to his fellow coaches. During his 13 years he had a record of 100-48 with the most wins as a Clarksville football head coach along with 7 conference championships from 1980 to 1990.
Don married Linda Wilkinson in 1962. They spent 63 years together raising their children, enriching the lives of their students, and traveling the world. Don and Linda were blessed with their daughter, LeAnne, in 1963 and son, Jon, in 1971. The greatest joy of Don's life was being Grandaddy to his granddaughters. He spent 29 years driving to support them at all their sporting events, dance recitals and plays. Spending time with his family made him happier than anything, and they were by his side until the end.
Don is survived by his wife, Linda Byrd, daughter Cara LeAnne Colvin, son Jonathan David Byrd and wife Mandie and his granddaughters Hanna Jane Colvin, Annabelle Mary Katheryn Byrd, Emilee Raychel Byrd and Madeline Ruth Byrd, his sister Evelyn Byrd Jeffers and nephew Jason Jeffers. A private family service will be held at a later date.
There will be a celebration of life visitation on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Monticello High School Cafeteria. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Monticello, Arkansas. You can sign Coach Bryd's guestbook here on his page.
Condolences(15)
Jim Young
Lutz, FL Tuesday, June 24, 2025 It’s sad to hear of Coach Byrd’s passing. I express my sincerest condolences to the Byrd family. I pray God comforts you in this difficult time. I’m fortunate to have graduated from Clarksville High School in 1988 and was coached and taught by Coach Byrd. He was honorable, respectable, and a great role model. He touched the lives of very many people. God speed, Coach!Jack
, Monday, June 23, 2025 I remember helping Don at the 64 Galore Sale at Antiques Plus...it was always in the high 90's but we always had a good time. He will be missed.Derwin Pendarvis
Crossett, AR Sunday, June 22, 2025 Class of 1979 Monticello HighHe was a Great Coach and Mentor to us we were blessed. Thank you for sharing a great Spirit with us.
Jackie forrest
M9nticello, AR Saturday, June 21, 2025 Was the best jr high coach ever and was a good man .sorry for your loss will be missed by manyBarbara Materna
Clarksville, AR Saturday, June 21, 2025 My fondest memories of Don are going to auctions, estate sales and working at our antique shopSteve Karnes
Monticello, AR Saturday, June 21, 2025 My thoughts and prayers to LeAnne, Miss Vicky, and Jon. Coach Byrd will truly be missed.Derwin Pendarvis
Crossett, AR Friday, June 20, 2025 Class of 1979 Monticello High the it a blessing to have him as a Coach and mentor to us young men during that era. Thank you for sharing such a great Man be blessed.Timothy & Diane Forrest
Monticello, AR Friday, June 20, 2025 To the Byrd Family, I am so sorry of the passing of Coach Byrd. I played football for him in the 7-9th grade and then again in the 12th. May God wrap his arms around your family and give you comfort at this time. I'll never forget in the 9th grade Coach Byrd and Coach Beeles thought they could dress out in pads and played with 9ht graders and found out that they could not stand up with the 9th graders when playing!Prayer for family and Rest in Peace
Timothy Forrest
Bruce Brown
Monticello, Friday, June 20, 2025 So sorry. Everyone loved Coach ! Will be praying for y'allRick Donham
Monticello, AR Friday, June 20, 2025 Leanne and family…Coach was a big influence on my life, many great memories. Prayers for you and your family.David McKinley sr.
LITTLE ROCK, AR Friday, June 20, 2025 COACH YOU WAS ONE OF THE BEST COACH I KNEW IN JR. HIGH SCHOOL IN MONTICELLO, YOU WILL BE MISS. LOVE ALWAYS.Dianne Lloyd
Monticello, AR Friday, June 20, 2025 Linda, LeAnne, and Jon, So many happy memories of your time in Monticello!Thoughts and prayers to you. Dianne
Allen Jeter
Fairview, TN Friday, June 20, 2025 I am so sorry to hear about Coach Byrd !! He will always hold a special place in my heart with so many memories that were developed when I played football for him !!! My thoughts and prayers are sure with all the family during this loss of a great husband, dad and granddad!! God Bless you all !!! 🙏❤️Vicki Pennington Ross
Monticello, AR Friday, June 20, 2025 My favorite teacher of all time!! All the girls thought he was Mr Dreamy!! Sure glad I saw him a few years ago!!Gloria Rawls Schwab
Rogers, AR Friday, June 20, 2025 Family , I was so sorry to hear of Coach’s passing . Some of my best memories of Junior high were with Coach Byrd. He had such an influence on many of us. I know he will be missed by many . Prayers for you all during this difficult time.