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Thomas Elton ‘Buddy’ Byrd
February 1, 2026
Mr. Thomas Elton “Buddy” Byrd, who was 80 years old, passed away on January 30, 2026, in Atmore, Alabama, the town where he was born on December 14, 1945. He spent his entire life in Atmore and Davisville, Florida. He was a devoted member of Atmore Baptist Temple. Buddy will be remembered for his kindness and dedication to his family and community.
He had a true passion for old cars, enjoying the challenge of restoring them and perfecting their paint and bodywork. He cherished spending time with his family, especially taking his grandchildren for rides on the golf cart. He dedicated countless hours to judging car shows and coaching youth baseball, sharing his love for the game with young players. A proud member of Cruisers’ Unlimited, he looked forward to events like Cruising the Coast, where he spent many happy hours at car shows, earning various awards throughout the years for his impressive vehicles.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Talton and Velma Morrow Byrd; sister, Bobby Freeman.
Mr. Byrd is survived by his devoted wife of forty-four years, Gayle Byrd, residing in Davisville, Florida. He leaves behind three sons: Ken Milstead and his wife Sandra, of Bay Minette, Alabama; Scott Milstead and his wife Debbie of Mobile, Alabama; and Trent Milstead and partner Karen Metts of Robinsonville, Alabama. Mr. Byrd’s legacy is further enriched by the presence of eight grandchildren: Amiee Milstead, Kyndall Crane (Clayton Crane), Caitlin Cook (Bradley Cook), Erica Dillard (Temple Dillard), Scotty Milstead, Hannah Milstead, Preston Milstead, and Jaden Gregson (Austin Gregson), as well as nineteen great-grandchildren: Haylin Milstead, Ethan Thomas, Aubrey Thomas, Caston Crane, Cale Crane, Tully Crane, Noah Lins, Bristol Cook, Aiden Dillard, Liam Dillard, Brynna Dillard, Sadie Milstead, Emberly Milstead, James Milstead, Adalynn Milstead, Malachi Carroll, Kamreigh Milstead, Paxton Milstead, and Wren Gregson, all of whom will cherish his memory and the impact he had on their lives.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 5, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC.
Funeral services will follow at 1:00 p.m. on February 5, 2026 at Petty Funeral Homes, LLC, with Reverend Doug Odom officiating.
Burial will follow at Pine Barren Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Alan Sharpless, Steve Johnson, Mark Dorriety, Butch McDaniels, Danny Brooks, and Brian Shivers.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Jerry Shepherd and Billy Franklin
The Byrd Family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the staff of Southern Care Hospice and the Atmore Community Hospital ER staff as well as to the dedicated nurses on the 2nd floor. Your compassionate care made a world of difference during this time. We also appreciate the support from Atmore Baptist Temple, our wonderful neighbors, and the entire community. Your kindness and generosity have brought comfort to our family, and we are truly grateful for each and every one of you. Thank you for being there for us.
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