Benjamin Franklin Byrd, Jr., “Ben Jr.”, 81, of Richardson, Texas passed away December 31, 2019. Ben Jr. was the eldest of four children born on November 12, 1938, to Benjamin Franklin Byrd, Sr., and Evelyn Hill Byrd in Monroe, Georgia. Ben was naturally talented in many ways including his athleticism, his love for music, and his unique ability to make someone feel special. While attending Abbeville High School in South Carolina, Ben played in the school band and sang in an all-male quartet that competed nationally. He was a stand-out on the basketball court and football field and was recruited to play Division I football. On the day after graduation from high school, Ben left for Marine Corps Basic School in Parris Island, South Carolina. Upon completing Marine Corps Basic School, Ben fulfilled a scholarship invitation to play football for the legendary coach, Bobby Dodd, at Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) where he played two years. Ben transferred to Wofford College and played scholarship football for two more years, graduating from Wofford College in 1963. While visiting his brother, Bobby, at Florida State University, Ben met Linda Hobbs. They married and had two children, Linda “Carole” and Benjamin “Franklin” Byrd, III. During that time, Ben was employed with Proctor and Gamble and Weyerhaeuser. The family lived in South Carolina, Illinois, Washington and Indiana. Ben also spent time in Florida and Alabama and retired in Texas. Ben loved all sports and was a natural coach. Ben coached hundreds of kids, many who still call him “coach” today. He was once asked by his former Wofford teammate, Fisher DeBerry, to come to the Air Force Academy and help coach. Ben was the truest of southern gentleman, who loved telling stories and jokes. He never met a stranger and made friends quickly. He had an ability to genuinely listen to people and comfort them. A typical conversation with Ben always included sports and usually food and the weather. Ben is survived by: his brother, Johnny Byrd; sister-in-law, Diane Byrd; sister, Betty Byrd; daughter, Linda “Carole” Byrd, and, partner, Martha Osorio-Cediel; his son, Benjamin “Franklin” Byrd III, and, daughter-in-law, Jami Byrd; and his grandsons Benjamin “Blake” Byrd, Grant Byrd, and Chad Byrd. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Bobby, passed away the same day.