Manford Byrd Jr.

Later career After leaving Chicago Public Schools he worked in private practice as an educational consultant.

Board memberships and honors Over the years Byrd sat on the boards of directors for the Chicago State University foundation, Joint Negro Appeal, Mid-America Chapter of the American Red Cross, Council of the Great City Schools, Chicago NAACP, and the United Church Board of World Ministries. Byrd also was a member of the boards of trustees for Central College and the Adler Planetarium. Byrd received more than 100 awards and commendations recognizing him for excellence in teaching and academic administration. This included honorary doctoral degrees from Central College, Hope College, and the National College of Education.

Personal life and death Byrd and his wife Cheribelle Byrd were married from March 31, 1956, until his death. Together they had three sons, Carl, Bradley and Donald. Byrd lived on Chicago's South Side. Byrd was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ, which has awarded a scholarship named for Byrd since 1982. Byrd died on January 17, 2021, at the age of 92, in Chicago.