Earl Byrd to be honored for service to county

For 28 years, between 1946 until 1978, Earl W. Byrd served St. Augustine and St. Johns County — and, Historic City News has determined that, at 97 years-old, he is the oldest living St. Johns County Commissioner.

Thanks to the efforts of several local residents, including Herbie L. Wiles, arrangements have been made for Byrd to be recognized at next week’s regular meeting of the St. Johns County Commission.

Byrd, who was only out-of-office for one four-year period during his years of service, is not only the oldest retired county Commissioner; he is also the oldest retired county official in St. Johns County.

Earl Byrd was born and raised in St. Johns County and still resides in Flagler Estates with his wife, Lois. During his career as a farmer in Elkton and Hastings, Byrd was inducted into the Agricultural Hall of Fame as well as the 4-H Hall of Fame.

Byrd’s daughter, Kathy Strickland, who lives in Hastings, said that this recognition planned for her father on Tuesday, March 1st, was a wonderful gesture. In addition to several friends who worked and served with Byrd, his daughter and one of Byrd’s nephews are expected to attend the ceremony.

Byrd is a grandfather of two, a great-grandfather to seven, and , just recently became a great-great-grandfather.

Photo credits: © 2011 Historic City News photograph by J. Carver Harris contributed by Milton E. Bacon & Associates