Matthew Justin Byrd

Matthew Justin Byrd was born into the loving family of William Charles Byrd and Judith Ellen Byrd on December 22, 1973. He was brought home in a Christmas stocking with such joy – for it was nothing but joy that he would bring to this world.

Matt grew up in Arlington, Texas and made lifelong friends throughout those school years. There were so many stories of friends and neighbors that I would almost never hear the same story twice. What a blessing to have such an extended family of friends. He attended college at the University of Texas, and with no surprise accumulated an additional family of lifelong friends from those adventures.

Adventure was Matt’s passion. He loved an adventure. He soaked up experiences and other cultures far from his own with such great enthusiasm. He loved to travel and try new things. The two favorite conquests that come to mind were sailing with a good friend’s dad in the Bahamas for eight months, and traveling all over Nicaragua with one of his best companions. Matt’s Spanish speaking skills were impressive and would lead him to have numerous conversations with people from all over the world. He loved to learn about others and hear what they had to say.

In 2007 Matt met Ashley Bishop at a UT tailgate party. Two years later, Matt stepped into the role of husband with Ashley. He went into business partnership with his wife’s brother, James Bishop, in 2009 as well. They started Bishop and Byrd Custom Homes, and it’s been going strong and growing ever since. It has been such a gift to have family that works hard together side by side.

Matt gave his life to Jesus in May 2009, and was baptized right before his marriage along with his fiancé and soon to be father and mother-in-law. It was a special day. Matt came to Christ through a remarkable family friend and pastor, Larry Mitcham. The word of God through the preaching of creation shed the Light into Matt’s heart. He has been growing in the Lord and the power of His might ever since. We are eternally grateful for that day.

May 3, 2013, the same day he had been baptized four years earlier, a son was born to Matt: Justin Alexander Byrd – the love of our lives. Matt’s devotion to Justin has been mesmerizing. He stepped into the role of “Dad” full throttle and never looked back. Only the best for his son was his motto. Determined to train him up in the ways of the Lord, withholding nothing from him and giving all of himself. It has no doubt been the best adventure of Matt’s lifetime… being Dad. I tell Justin that those adventures have only just begun because of the promises and hope we have through Christ Jesus. Big adventures with Dad are soon to come…. Just hold on…. Thank you, Lord Jesus!

Larry Mitcham was with Matt the day before his passing, and the last word Matt spoke directly to him was “Hallelujah”. Hallelujah indeed!

Matt went home to be with his Lord and Savior August 17th at 7:44am. A day of Victory:

1 Corinthians 15:55

O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

Corinthians 15:54-57

Death has been swallowed up in victory… But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

John 11:25

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.”

Romans 6:5

For if we have been united with Him in a death like His, we will certainly also be united with Him in a resurrection like His.

1 Thessalonians 4:14

For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him.

Revelation 1:18

I am the Living One; I was dead, and now look, I am alive for ever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and Hades.

Matthew Justin Byrd was laid to rest on August 21st at the Stanford Chapel Cemetery in Lorena, Texas; officiated by Larry Mitcham; attended by only his immediate family. A Celebration of Life service for all who love Matt will be announced at a later time.

Matt leaves behind his mother, Judith Byrd and husband, Butch McClure; sister Angela Dawn Byrd and husband, Chip Mallari; nieces Lisana and Ava Mallari; brother-in-law James Bishop and wife, Elizabeth Bishop; nephew Wyatt Bishop and niece Lark Bishop; his wife Ashley Byrd; and his beloved son, Justin Alexander Byrd (13yrs old).

Until we are together again, Matt… we love you, we thank you, we honor your memory, and we will continue to fight the good fight of faith until we see you again…

We ask that in lieu of any meals or flowers being sent on behalf of family and friends, that you would consider making a donation to a college fund for Matt’s beloved son, Justin, instead. The link is listed below…

https://gofund.me/6516d8492

The family invites you to leave a message or memory of Matt in his “Memorial Guestbook” at www.WHBfamily.com.