Ron Byrd

Asheville – Ronald Franklin Byrd, 80, passed away on Friday, October 8, 2021 at the Elizabeth House in Hendersonville, North Carolina.

Ron was a native of Macon County and was the son of the late Frank and Helen Jacobs Byrd.  He was also preceded in death by his mother-in-law, Oveida Pitts, and brother-in-law, Randy Pitts.

Prior to his retirement, Ron was employed as a bus driver with Young Transportation and Tours and chief photographer for WLOS TV with Presidential clearance.  He proudly served his country as a paramedic with the United States Army.  He was one of five who established the Brevard Rescue Squad.

Ron is survived by his wife of 33 years, Rhonda Pitts Byrd; brother, Gary Byrd and his wife, Phillis, of Huntersville; niece, Carley Nevills and her husband, Don; father-in-law, Hilliard Pitts; sister-in-law, Alicia Henson (Larry); five nieces and nephews, Keisha Jackson (Sam), Jordan Pitts, Kasey Brooks (Andrew), Jonathan Pitts, Cody Henson (Anna), and ten great-nieces and great-nephews.

Funeral services will be held at the Canton Chapel of Wells Funeral Home on Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at 1:00 p.m., with Reverend Andrew Brooks officiating.  Visitation will be at the funeral home on Tuesday, October 12, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  Burial will follow the service at Bethel Community Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pisgah High School Athletic Booster Club, 1 Black Bear Drive, Canton, NC 28716.

The care of Mr. Byrd has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Home of Canton and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com