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.
Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Monticello, Arkansas. You can sign Coach Bryd's guestbook here on his page.
Condolences(2)
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.