William Randolph Byrd Ii

William Randolph Byrd II, affectionately known as Randy, went home to be with the Lord on the morning of October 27, 2024, while doing what he loved best, hunting. He leaves behind a legacy as vibrant and enduring as the land he loved. A farmer, hunter, father, grandfather, mentor, and unwavering supporter to many, Randy's life was a testament to his boundless energy and deep connection to the outdoors.

Randy was a lifelong resident of Putnam and St. Johns counties. He enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve right out of high school in the summer of 1966 and served for six years, mostly working on airplanes. He began his own farming business after working the fields of other farmers by day and then planting and harvesting his crops in the evening, well into the night, and on weekends. In the 1980s, he built the first working four-row harvester and was so successful at it, word got to the Lockwood Manufacturing Company who then flew him to Nebraska to consult and assist them with their harvester design. Randy was known to continually engineer and manufacture items just to make his farming life easier and more efficient.

Randy's most coveted activity was hunting, from traveling down the Ocklawaha River to slip hunt in the cypress swamp, to running dogs in Gopher Ridge and Bull Bay hunting clubs, to still hunting on his land in Georgia. Make no mistake, his competitive side had him always wanting to outdo other hunters; however, he loved sharing his hunting skills, knowledge, and exchanging big buck stories.

Randy's passion for farming and hunting was infectious, inspiring countless others to embrace the land and its cultivation. He shared his knowledge and skills generously, mentoring those eager to learn stewardship of the land and the thrill of the chase. His enthusiasm was unmatched, a force of nature that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Those who knew Randy understood the challenge of keeping pace with his relentless spirit. He lived life at full throttle, embracing every moment with a zest that left an indelible mark on all who crossed his path. He was lovingly known by his family as the Great Provider, as he made sure they never went without and gave willingly to anyone he thought needed it. His absence leaves an empty space in many hearts, a void that speaks to the profound impact he had on the lives he touched.

Randy is survived by his two daughters, Melissa Lundquist (Joey) and Marnie Hennessey (Josh), his son, William Randolph Byrd III, known as Trey, five grandchildren, Jarrett Lundquist, Alayna Lundquist, Makenzie Byrd, Brevan Hennessey, and Jordie Hennessey, and his loving companion, Gina Richardson, and her family. While his physical presence is gone, his spirit will forever resonate in the fields he cultivated, the woods he navigated, and the hearts of those who loved him.

A service to celebrate Randy's life will be held at 2:00pm on Sunday, November 24, 2024, at Tringali Barn, located at 7310 US Highway 1 South, St. Augustine, FL 32086.

Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Dublin Chapel has arrangements.