September 1, 1968 – June 15, 2024
KILL DEVIL HILLS — Kendall Dennis Byrd, 55 years young, passed suddenly of natural causes in the late afternoon of June 15, 2024, while in his beloved garden. He came into this life at just 3.9 lbs on September 1st, 1968, in Labrador, Canada to the late Norton Ervin and Carol Ann Byrd. Kendall is survived by his sister Alison Byrd Urbanek (Tom Sloate) and nephew Dedrick “Glyn” Byrd, bonus nieces Dixie Ray (Cameron), Hannah Graham (Jack), Casey McDonald (Chris). He also leaves behind a network of close friends and loved ones, as well as his 2 cats, Boots and Byrdie who brought him much joy.
Kendall grew up in rural Currituck County and graduated in 1986 from Albemarle Academy where his team won the basketball state championship. He went on to study at East Carolina University, eventually moving to the Outer Banks in the early 1990’s, working at numerous businesses and restaurants.
In the late 90’s he made a move into the corporate world at Rock Bottom Brewing in Atlanta and finally to Big River Brewing Disney World in Florida. This valuable training and attention to cost management secured him a general manager position at Damon’s Grill in Arundel Mills Maryland in 2003, where his store became the flagship property of their entire organization. Fate had a predetermined course for Kendall as he returned to the Outer Banks in 2010 to care for his mother who was suffering from Alzheimer’s. Along with his sister Alison, they provided their mother with a quality of life she enjoyed for many years.
He struggled most of his life with the fact that he had more friends who were Dallas Cowboy fans rather than loyal fans to his beloved Redskins. Sports were his obsession; playing, or coaching for Dare County Recreation, or leading his fantasy football league. He developed many lasting relationships with friends who shared the same passion. Kendall was a Wii bowling champion at The Jolly and a master of Trivia, if it was obscure, he knew it for sure!
Kendall made his modeling debut on the Brainy-ac spice rub label made by the company he and his Sis started called Fieldhand Sam. Even though Kendall de-seeded more jalapenos peppers for his amazing pepper jelly then any human should, he was world renowned for his chicken rub.
He was the reluctant gardener who learned to cherish the first appearance of butterflies, or the rapid beat of a hummingbird’s wings, and, by the way, “Real men pull weeds”. He was always so excited about the improvement of the garden and took ownership and love over it. If he could get a hold of you long enough, he’d talk your ear off about what he had planted, what was blooming, and what was on the horizon. When he wasn’t in the garden you could find him in another favorite spot looking out over the ocean towards the horizon at Raleigh Street. If you want to share a moment with his memory head there and set up a chair.
To his family and friends, he had a million-dollar smile and a sense of humor that lightened their day, he was generous, kind, and dependable. Kendall had a big loving heart and enjoyed helping others. He was like a brother to many, one of the good ones gone too soon.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Kendall’s name to the Outer Banks SPCA.
The family will announce at a future date when a service will be held.
Gallop Funeral Services is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.gallopfuneralservices.com.
