Johnnie Lee Byrd, age 85, of Oak Ridge, passed away Thursday, May 23, at Methodist Medical Center.

He was born May 27, 1927, in Lancing, Tenn., to Andrew and Ibbie Byrd. John retired from the U.S. Navy as a senior chief petty officer after serving his country for 27 years. He served during World War II and the Korean and Vietnam wars, and later retired from Union Carbide. He was a long time member of the Loyal Order of Moose Lodge and Fraternal Order of Eagles in Oak Ridge.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Esther Willene “Billie” Byrd; sisters, Ruthie Slaven, Jean Booth, and Mary O’Conner; and brothers, Lewis, Glen, Robert, and Roland Paul “Buddy” Byrd. [Read more…]