Dr. William Eugene Byrd, 81, of Roanoke Rapids, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026 in the home he shared with his beloved wife, Rachel, of 51 years, with his family by his side.

Dr. Byrd was born in Sumpter, South Carolina on February 15, 1945 to parents, Frances Moore Byrd and Hugh DeWitt Byrd, who preceded him in death. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Mitchell.

He received his undergraduate medical education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and residency at The Naval Regional Medical Center in Portsmouth, VA followed by a fellowship in rheumatology training at the Duke University School of Medicine.

He served his country as a commander in the U.S. Navy and as chief of the rheumatology division of the Naval Regional Medical Center in Portsmouth, VA, where he met his wife, Rachel, who was a nurse and serving as lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force.They settled in Roanoke Rapids where they built a family and established a private medical practice, Roanoke Valley Internal Medicine.

For 30 years, Dr. Byrd served the Roanoke Valley as an exceptional physician. He was an astute clinician whose compassion and commitment to his patients shaped every aspect of his work. He possessed a rare gift for truly listening to his patients, believing deeply that their stories held invaluable insight. He shared their stories in two books he authored, "The Long Journey" and "Silent Pains", illuminating the lifelong challenges of living with a rheumatologic disease.

Upon his retirement, he enjoyed traveling and spending time with his beloved wife, Rachel. Dr. Byrd continued to nurture the curiosity and love of learning that had defined him throughout his life. He immersed himself in learning sign language, reading history, and medical literature as well as continuing to write.

An exceptionally talented pianist in his earlier life, he returned to play music with great contentment. Yet, his greatest meaning came from his wife, children, grandchildren, and his extended family with whom he delighted in good meals and rich conversation. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and a brilliant clinician. In his last year of life, he found special joy in literary adventures with his neighbor and close friend, Tessie Hofmann.

Dr. Byrd was cared for by the same team of amazing women who care for his wife, Rachel. The family expresses deep gratitude for caregivers, Charmain Harris, Paula Turner, Angela Roberts, Mary Hunt, and Lucy Anstead. The care he received is a reflection of the care he gave to so many others throughout his life and career.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Sarah Byrd and Rebecca Byrd; son-in-law Adam Woodruff; granddaughters, Sophia Arnette Byrd and Juniper Byrd Woodruff; sisters, Ginger Bondesen, and Mary Brice; cousin, Melinda Kimble; brother-in-law, Fred Bondesen; loving nieces and nephews and a large extended family whose love and support enriched his life.

A ceremony honoring his life will be held at 1:00 PM on Thursday, May 21, 2026 at Rosemary Methodist Church in Roanoke Rapids. The family will receive friends an hour before the service in the church fellowship hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to Rosemary United Methodist Church.