Ralph Dean Byrd, 65, passed away Thursday, July 30, 2020 at his home.  Born April 14, 1955 in Mercer County, KY, Dean was the son of the late Ralph and Laura Bell Gibbons Byrd.

Dean formerly worked as a fork lift driver for Sylvania in Versailles.  A member of the House of Prayer Church in Lawrenceburg, Dean was an avid hunter and fisherman and most recently enjoyed sitting under his shade tree shooting the breeze and witling.

Dean is survived by his sons, Chad Byrd (girlfriend Amanda Coke) of Lawrenceburg and Ralph Clay Byrd of Lexington; a granddaughter Caris Marie Byrd; a sister, Margaret Gay of Lawrenceburg; and two brothers, Ben E. (wife Sharol) Byrd  and Chester Byrd, all of Lawrenceburg.

Along with his parents, Dean was preceded in death by siblings, Lawrence William Byrd, Jennie Gregory, Virginia Lee Lear, Ida Matherly, Orville P. Byrd, Robert Keith Byrd, Nancy Maddox, Donald Ray Byrd, and Peggy Byrd.

Visitation will be held on Monday, August 3, 2020 from 5 – 7 PM followed by the service at 7:00 PM Monday at Ritchie & Peach Funeral Home.  Bro. Don Lear will officiate the service.  Burial will be 1:00 PM Tuesday, August 4 ^th at Wynn Cemetery in Rockcastle County, KY.

Serving as pallbearers will be Mike Mitchell, John Mitchell, Joe Gregory, Brandon Maddox, Luke Maddox, and Jason Satterly.

Memorials are suggested to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 21903, Lexington, KY 40522.

Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.ritchieandpeach.com .

To abide by the regulations set forth by the State of Kentucky all persons attending a visitation or funeral (public or private) will be required to wear a face covering and practice social distancing.  Fifty (50%) occupancy of the funeral home will be in practice.  Thank you in advance for your cooperation.