Ricky William Byrne entered Heaven's gates at the age of 74 on Sunday, March 26, 2023 while holding his sweetheart of 45 years, Dolores's hand.

He was born on November 1, 1948 in Sandersville, Georgia. Ricky had many fond memories of his early years with family. They eventually moved, settling in Aiken, South Carolina. He enjoyed working with his father in his furniture stores in Aiken and participating in community activities such as Boy Scouts. In 1976, Ricky met Dolores Brown at a singles Baptist Convention, and they married shortly after in 1977.

Soon after their marriage, Ricky and Dolores moved to Dublin where they have resided for 39 years. As Dolores became part of the community through her work in Dublin City Schools, Ricky owned and was a salesman at Byrne's Furniture and Sleep & Recline. He was proud of the relationships he built with co-workers and customers over his years in the furniture business. His dedication to his customers continued even after his retirement. Ricky served his country as a member of the National Guard for many years and obtained the rank of staff sergeant. During his time, he enjoyed traveling to Germany, Niagara Falls, and serving the state of South Carolina.

Through his community involvement, he built forever friendships. As a baseball umpire for over 25 years, Ricky loved spending time at, or on, the ballfield mentoring many ball players and fellow umpires. As an umpire, he won Umpire of the Year, The Phillip Vaughn Award, The Earl Farmer Award, and was an All-Star Official for the State of Georgia. Even in his later years, you could find him at the ballfields keeping up with players and teams.

As an active member of First Baptist Church, Ricky enjoyed singing in the choir. He was moved by many songs of praise and loved the friendships he made during this time. He also was a member of the Lighthouse Sunday School class which enriched his life greatly. He believed in giving back to his church and could be found volunteering with repairs and grounds maintenance as needed at the church.

Ricky was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Joseph William (JW) and Henral Jean Kyzer Byrne of Aiken, South Carolina. There are also many special family members that greeted Ricky on Sunday at Heaven's gate.

Ricky is survived by his family including his loving wife, Dolores Harumi Brown Byrne of Dublin, GA. He adored his children, daughters, Melanie Leigh Byrne-Hamer of Aiken, SC and Jennifer Yaeko (Travis) Hall of Columbus, GA, and son, William Henry Byrne of Valdosta, GA. He was so proud of his grandchildren; Denton Hamer, Leighton Hamer, Brighton Hamer, Tyler Hall, Landon Hall, and Colton Hall. He leaves many good memories with his siblings brother Kim (Stephanie) Byrne of Aiken, SC; sisters, Krista (Geoff) Bostic and Robin Byrne (Steve Cox) both of Aiken, SC; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Townsend Brothers Funeral Home on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Services will be held for Mr. Byrne Friday, March 31, 2023 at First Baptist Church Dublin at 2:00 PM with interment to follow at WestView Cemetery in Wrightsville, Georgia. Dr. Cliff Morris and Dr. Darrell Paulk will officiate. Pallbearers will be Tony Byrne, Dennis Byrne, Jody Pollock, Neil Kyzer, Steve Cox, and Travis Hall.

The family requests that memorial contributions be directed to organizations and causes that were important to Ricky: First Baptist Church Dublin, Parkinson's Foundation, or the USO.

Townsend Brothers Funeral Home has charge of funeral arrangements.