Byrd, Elon Eugene, 1905-1974.

The sudden death from an apparent heart attack on 3 March 1974, ended 40 years of parasitological research and teaching for Dr. Elon E. Byrd, Professor Emeritus of Zoology at the University of Georgia in Athens. He was born in Richton, Mississippi, on 9 June 1905, where he received his early education. He received the B. S. degree in 1929 and the M. S. degree in 1931 from Mississippi Agricultural and Mechanical College where he was Instructor of Zoology until 1932. He was graduated from Tulane University in 1934 with the Ph.D. degree and immediately came to the University of Georgia as an Assistant Professor. He advanced to the rank of Professor, retiring in 1972 as Professor Emeritus of Zoology. Dr. Byrd, in association with colleagues and students, published approximately 100 papers, most of them on the taxonomy and life cycles of helminths. He remained active in helminthological research after his retirement, for he was working on several papers at the time of his death. "In memoriam, Elon Eugene Byrd, 9 June 1905-3 March 1974." The Journal of Parasitology, Vol. 61, No. 2, April 1975.