Irving Byrd "Pops" Eckert, age 80, passed away peacefully on Saturday June 1, 2024, at his home in Valrico, FL with his loved ones by his side. He was born on December 18, 1943, at Tampa Municipal Hospital in Tampa, FL, to Irving Brooks Eckert and Myrtle Ernestine (Moulds) Eckert. He attended Riverview School and was a lifelong resident of Florida. He married Mary Esther Eckert on December 18, 1964 and together they had four children, Theresa, Tammy, Pam, and Shirley. He worked many jobs during his time, but was most well known as a crane operator. Byrd thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his large family. He is survived by his daughters and their spouses, Theresa Lambert, Tammy and Randy Miller, Shirley and John Landers; Grandchildren and their spouses Lee Miller, Gary and Jen Miller, Frankie and Jordan Lambert, Dylan and Melanie Landers, Shelby and Branden Youmans, Kasey Miller and her fiancé Bailey Raulerson; great-grandchildren Gavin Lambert, Graham Lambert, Wyatt Miller, Christian Miller, Lane Lambert and Lawson Landers; his sisters Marilyn Hubbard and Ernestine (Tina) Smith. He is preceded in death by his wife Mary Esther Eckert, daughter Pamela Eckert and his sisters Barbara, Bobbie and Haulda. Byrd lived life to the fullest and enjoyed spending time with his friends at car shows, collecting guns, knives, coins, Hot Wheels and other keepsakes that were of interest to him and growing his avocado tree. Family, friends and others who were touched by their time with Byrd are invited to the Serenity Meadows Funeral Home located at 6919 Providence Rd. Riverview, FL 33578, on Thursday June 6, 2024 at 10:00 am to visit and pay their respects. A funeral service will begin at 11:00 am and he will be laid to rest at the Hackney Cemetery.