Bobby Lynn Byrum

Bobby Lynn Byrum, went to heaven to see Jesus and Jackie, Nov. 18, 2017. He was born Nov. 30, 1931, in Athens, Tenn., to his parents, Robert and Georgia Byrum. He graduated from McMinn County High School in 1949 and attended Tennessee Wesleyan University (College) before going into the U.S. Navy, serving in Naval Aviation during the Korean War. On Nov. 11, 1955, he married the beautiful Jackie Thompson. Bob worked at Oak Ridge National Lab in the Radio Isotope Research and Development Division for 40 years before retiring. He always enjoyed flying airplanes, and in his retirement he loved golfing with friends, fishing, and spending time with his family. He was a member of East Athens Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon for several years, and was a member of VFW Post #5146. He was preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Jackie Thompson Byrum; parents, Robert William Byrum and Georgia Bradford Byrum; and a brother Bradford A. Byrum. He is survived by two sons, Doug Byrum (Karen), of Athens and Todd Byrum (Chris), of Ringgold; grandchildren, Rowdy Byrum (Angie), of Medina, Tenn., and Brooke Byrum, of Ringgold; one great-grandson, Liam Byrum, of Medina, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted 2 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 21, at East Athens Baptist Church with Rev. Jason Robertson officiating. Entombment will follow in McMinn Memory Gardens Mausoleum with military honors provided by the U.S. Navy. The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday at the church prior to the service. Pallbearers will be Brad Byrum, Rowdy Byrum, Brooke Byrum, Dan Lemons, Jack Allen, Barry and Hobie Toomey, Jackie Harrison, and Bruce Quimby. The family suggests memorials be made in Bobby's honor to East Athens Baptist Church, 301 Central Avenue, Athens, TN 37303. If you are unable to attend this service you may sign the guest register at www.smithfuneralandcremationservicesofathens.com. Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens is honored to serve the family of Bobby Lynn Byrum.