Robert (Bob) Byrd, 80, Johnson City, died Tuesday, January 29, 2013, at his residence following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Byrd was born in Telford, TN, and was a lifelong resident of Johnson City, TN.

He was a son of the late Earl O. and Blanche Bailey Byrd.

Mr. Byrd was a retired air traffic controller with the Federal Aviation Administration.

He was a long time member of Central Baptist Church and the William Rigell Sunday School Class. He was a member of the Joy Choir of the Church and played drums for the Church orchestra. He was the leader of the Wednesday night Prophecy Class of the Church.

Mr. Byrd was a former member of the Johnson City Jaycees, where he served as president.

He was a veteran of the Korean War, having served in the US Army.

Mr. Byrd was preceded in death by his parents and one brother, Earl Byrd Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Helen Dulaney Byrd, of the home; three sons, Dan Byrd and wife, Gina, Dayton, KY, Michael Byrd and wife, Debbie, Church Hill, TN, Randy Byrd and wife, Susan, Maryville, TN; five grandchildren, Adam Byrd, Dayton, KY, Eric Byrd, Dayton, KY, Ashlee Byrd, Athens, TN, Ryan Byrd, Maryville, TN, and Jessica Pigg and husband, David, Maryville, TN; brother-in-law, Frank Kontovich; sister and brother-in-law, Ruth and Herb King; sister-in-law, Wanda Dulaney; sister-in-law, Carolyn Carter; sister-in-law, Clara Byrd; several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be held Friday, February 1, 2013, at 1:30 PM from the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home with Dr. Ronald F. Murray and Dr. Janice Shelton officiating.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:00 noon until 1:30 PM from the East Parlor of the funeral home.

Graveside committal services will follow at 2:30 PM in Mountain Home National Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Adam, Eric and Ryan Byrd, David Pigg, Reese Brackins and Larry Shropshire.

In lieu-of-flowers, memorials may be given to Central Baptist Church, Senior Adult Ministry, 300 N. Roan St., Johnson City, TN 37601.

Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net.

Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, is serving the Byrd family. 928-6111