The famous Jerry Carl Byrd was born on September 14, 1946 to Wanda Avon Byrd (Brown) and Lemuel Carl Byrd in Santa Fe, NM. Jerry was the second fraternal twin born, after his brother Larry, on that wonderful day. Jerry passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 25, 2012 in his home in White Rock, NM. Jerry graduated from the New Mexico Military Institute in 1964 and later graduated from New Mexico State University. Jerry married his beautiful bride, Elizabeth Martinez on October 9, 1976 in Las Vegas, NV. His life was filled with love, humility, passion, loyalty and commitment. This old scallywag recently retired after working for 40 years for several site support service contractors at the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Over those 40 years, the contractors he worked for were, Zia, Pan Am, Johnson Controls Northern New Mexico, KSL and Johnson Controls. Jerry served for 13 years in the New Mexico National Guard as a captain. Jerry taught at the Pajarito Ski Area for over 20 years as a ski instructor, and served as the director for years. His love and commitment didn't stop there. Jerry also volunteered with Prison Fellowship Ministries for over 25 years, and said, "I learn more from them than they do from me." Jerry loved the outdoors. Jerry loved fly-fishing with his sons, climbing 14-ers with his wife, playing basketball with his brother, painting with his aunt and mom, brainstorming creative art ideas with his daughter, giving the "goochy" to his grandkids, cross-country Harley rides with his friends, windsurfing, snowshoeing, hiking, golfing, skiing and cycling. Jerry wasn't much of a gambler, but he would be quick to "bet you a cheeseburger" if he knew he could win. Most importantly, he loved God and he loved people. Jerry spent every morning reading his Bible and prayed daily for his friends, family, and those serving in the military. His smile was contagious and his joy inspired others to live life more gratefully. Jerry and his family are members of the White Rock United Methodist Church. Jerry is survived by his wife of 35 years, Elizabeth Byrd (Martinez), one daughter, Nicole McMains and son-in-law Derin McMains, two sons, Abad Chavez and Casey Byrd and daughter-in-law Megan Byrd, two grandsons, Braxton Byrd and Katch McMains and one brother, Larry Byrd and sister-in-law, Susan Byrd. Funeral service will be held on Monday, April 30, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Los Alamos with burial to follow at Guaje Pines Cemetery.