Richard Allan Byles, born December 2nd, 1946, in Annandale, Virginia, died May 18th, 2026, in Poquoson, Virginia.

He was predeceased by his parents, Robert Stanley Byles and Jessie Aubrey Boykin Byles, and by his brother, Terry Clifton Byles.

Richard is survived by his wife of 40 years, Ann Saunders Evans. And by his daughter, Lisa Ann Byles McGinnis, grandson, Sean Dewaine McGinnis and wife Ashley, and great-grandchildren, Shelton and Emery.  And by his son, Robert Cecil Evans Byles.  He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Bronwyn, Nancy, Gwyneth, and Tegwyn Evans.

Richard earned his B.S. degree in zoology from the University of Central Florida, where he first worked with sea turtles.  He earned his PhD from William and Mary’s Virginia Institute of Marine Science.  Richard’s research focused on sea turtles.  He was a pioneer in satellite tracking of leatherback and Kemp’s ridley turtles, making new discoveries about their behaviors in the Chesapeake Bay. 

Richard then worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Albuquerque, New Mexico, eventually becoming National Sea Turtle Coordinator.  In this role, he traveled extensively in Mexico and Central America, working on international efforts to protect sea turtles.

Richard and Ann moved ‘back East’ to Poquoson after Robert Cecil was born.  Richard began another career in science education at the Virginia Air and Space Center, where he soon became Director of Education.  He brought the joy of learning to children from all over Hampton Roads.

Richard became involved in the Boy Scouts when Robert Cecil joined Troop 28, hosted by Tabernacle United Methodist Church in Poquoson. He became an Assistant Scoutmaster, and attended many hiking, camping, spelunking, and water trips with his son.

A non-traditional celebration of life will be held at his home in Poquoson, with the date to be announced later. If you are not already in contact with Richard’s family, reach out to the family at annerich1985@gmail.com for more information.

Arrangements and heartfelt guidance through Claytor Rollins Funeral Home.

Online condolences to claytorrollins.com.

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