Stanley Joseph Byrdy

Martinez, GA – Entered into rest on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, Mr. Stanley Joseph Byrdy, 73, loving husband of Donna Brodbeck Byrdy.

Stan was fondly known by family, friends, and viewers alike as the “ByrdMan” throughout his 45-year career in sports reporting. Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Stan graduated from Youngstown State University with a degree in Communications and began his broadcasting career at WYTV Channel 33. From there, his career took him to Grand Junction, Colorado; Topeka, Kansas; Springfield, Missouri; and finally Augusta, Georgia. Beginning in 1985, Stan spent 10 years as Sports Director at WJBF-TV Channel 6 and later served as Sports Director at WAGT-TV Channel 26. He also worked as Marketing Director for Golf Augusta ProShops before discovering his passion for researching, writing, and sharing the stories behind the game of golf.

In Augusta, Stan found more than a place to call home; he found a community rich in history and stories waiting to be told. He came to know and love the people, traditions, and sporting history that made Augusta so special. His appreciation for the city's golf history extended far beyond its most recognizable names and celebrated moments. Stan had a unique ability to uncover the lesser-known stories and historical foundations that helped shape Augusta into the city it is today. Through his work, he brought these stories to life, preserving an important part of Augusta's history and sharing a deeper appreciation for the city he loved.

Stan wrote and published three books: Augusta & Aiken in Golf's Golden Age, Augusta National Golf Club – Alister MacKenzie's Masterpiece, and Against All Odds – The Donnie Hixon Story. He also served as executive producer of the Emmy-nominated GPTV documentary, Augusta's Master Plan: From Sherman's March to Arnie's Army. His love for storytelling continued throughout his life, as he was working on a fourth book scheduled for release in early 2027. Stan was voted “Best of Augusta” by Augusta Magazine for 12 consecutive years, received numerous Associated Press and United Press International awards for sports reporting, and had his work featured on PBS, ESPN, CNN, The Weather Channel, and ABC News affiliates.

Although sports was his passion, Stan's greatest loves were his Catholic faith and his family. A devout Catholic, he faithfully prayed the Rosary each day, finding strength and comfort in his relationship with God. Above all, Stan was a loving husband, father, brother, and friend whose devotion to his family was at the heart of everything he did. While his stories and contributions to Augusta's history will live on, his greatest legacy will always be the love and faith he shared with those closest to him. As Stan would often say, “Z Bogiem,” a Polish farewell meaning “Go with God.”

In addition to his loving wife, Donna, Stan is survived by his children, David B. Byrdy and Hannah G. Byrdy; his siblings, Elizabeth Horvath (John), David Byrdy (Mary Lou), James Byrdy (Karen), Michelle Giancola (Jeff), and Francine Brown (Peter); his brothers-in-law, George Brodbeck (Janet) and Howard Brodbeck (Cheryl); and his sister-in-law, Diane Lowe (George).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stan and Irene Byrdy, and his parents-in-law, George and Helen Brodbeck.

A Rosary service will be held on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the chapel of Thomas Poteet Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the Rosary from 6:00 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 3, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church, with Father Mark Ross serving as celebrant.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mary Beth Regan Memorial Scholarship Fund or the St. Mary on the Hill Catholic Church Building Fund.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484. Please sign the guestbook at www.thomaspoteet.com