Phillip Ralph Byrd

Phillip Ralph Byrd, age 80, of LaFayette, passed away on Friday, May 1, 2026.

He was of the Baptist faith and a proud veteran of the United States Army. Ralph retired from Combustion Engineering, was a retired sheet metal worker with TVA, and former owner of T-Byrd’s Screen Printing. He was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan.

He is survived by his daughter, Tammy (Dwight) Massey; his son, Tracy Byrd; his loving ex-wife, Renda Byrd; his sister, Elizabeth “Sissy” Byrd; grandchildren, Taylor Byrd and Kelsie (Justin Newby) Byrd; great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, and extended family; and his best friend, Richard Hardinger. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Samuel Byrd, Dean Byrd, and Gary Byrd; and his parents, Clyde Byrd and Blanche Estelle Byrd.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Pruitt Health Care, Angie Wilson, the Mashburn family, and Sandra Durham and family.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 8, at the Chattanooga National Cemetery with Pastor Lowel Cantrell officiating.

Pallbearers will be Mark Jenkins, Henry Mashburn, Tim Riddle, Donny Brown, Dwight Massey, and Mike Guthrie.

Family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursday, May 7, at the funeral home.

Arrangements are by Wallis-Wilbanks Funeral Home, LaFayette.