Roll Call Tribute

Roger Patrick Byrne, DDS, MD 

September 22, 1944 - July 19, 2025 

Roger Patrick Byrne, DDS, MD—a nationally respected Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and an unforgettable force in every room—passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 19, 2025, at the age of 80. A proud member of the Texas A&M University Corp of Cadets, Roger was born on September 22, 1944, in Fort Stockton, Texas and grew up in Beaumont, Texas. He spent his adult life in Corpus Christi and Houston before retiring to Sarasota, Florida, where he embraced life on the water with the same energy and intensity he brought to his work.

Over five decades Roger built a reputation marked by excellence, high standards and sheer determination. He was board-certified in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Plastic Surgery. He became a recognized leader in his field earning his Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University, his DDS from the University of Texas Dental Branch, his Master of Science in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery from the University of Texas Health Science Center, his Doctor of Medicine from Texas Tech University School of Medicine and completed a Fellowship in Plastic Surgery from Texas Tech University School of Medicine. He served in key leadership roles including President of the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners and the Texas Society of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeons. He also taught as a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Texas Health Science Center inspiring students and frustrating slackers in equal measure. Roger never had patience for mediocrity—and he made sure you knew it. Roger was one of those unforgettable characters. Big, bold and impossible to ignore, he made an impression whether he was in the operating room, a boardroom or holding court at a party. People always had a story about him—sometimes flattering, sometimes… colorful but always memorable.

Outside the operating room Roger found peace on the water. An enthusiastic yachtsman, he spent countless hours on his Hatteras, La Grande Dam, Genesis and the Fractured Jaw chasing the horizon and maybe a little solitude. It is only fitting that his final resting place will be there on the open water he loved so much. He is survived by many loyal friends; his son, Christopher Patrick Byrne (Bobbi); his daughter, Kimberly Ann Holliday; and his grandchildren Alexis Marie Daily, James Colten Oquin and Steven Cooper Oquin.

Roger’s legacy lives on—in the high standards he set, the legendary stories still making the rounds and the unmistakable mark he left on everyone lucky (or bold) enough to cross his path. In lieu of flowers please donate to Texas A&M University on Roger’s behalf.

A Celebration of Life will be held in Houston, Texas, Federal Grill (Hedwig Village), 8731 Katy Freeway, Suite 150, Houston TX 77024, Sept 11th, 2025, at 6:00 pm.

IN THE CARE OF
Robert Toale and Sons Funeral Home at Palms Memorial Park