Robert Jeffrey Byrd

Robert Jeffrey (Jeff) Byrd was born December 5th, 1968, in Huntsville, Alabama to Robert Eugene Byrd and Pamela Faye Austin. After Jeff graduated high school, he served many years for the Tennessee Army National Guard and flew helicopters which led to his repeated phrase “I’m deaf in one ear and can’t hear out the other.” His studies in Aerospace at Middle Tennessee State University led him to a lengthy career in the industry.

All that knew Jeff were recipients of his big, warm, excited, welcoming smile. One would think his smile couldn’t get any bigger or brighter until he talked about his family.

On May 24, 1997, he married the love of his life and best friend, Susan Mary Higgins, and they had two beautiful children, Jackson and Caroline.

Jeff was a loving husband and father, and the ultimate can-do-it guy. He was a coach, a chef, a handyman, an athlete, a sportsman, a hunter, and a lot of FUN. He was good at almost anything, would do anything for you, and always had your back.

He lived with full commitment and unbridled devotion to everyone and everything he loved. If Jeff loved you, you knew it. He was generous with his funny stories and laughter, his engulfing hugs, unconditional love, and unwavering support in times of challenge. He was loyal, kind, and good. Jeff made you feel as if you made his day when he saw you – and he meant it. Jeff loved the fellowship of family and friends and providing a hearty meal to all was one of his many gifts of love. He was a great cook and enjoyed being together with good food in good company.

If you were around Jeff, you heard “Roll Tide” more times than you can count. He was an avid enthusiast of Alabama football, and his children’s sports, whether coaching their teams or cheering as a spectator, if he was present, you knew it. He was “big energy” and his lively commentary and high energy always made for a fun game either way it went.

Most importantly, he was a devoted Christian with strong faith. He understood the purpose of life and where we are going, and let prayer support his journey.

Jeff passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on April 12, 2022. He was outside in nature on a beautiful day. Jeff loved wildlife, hunting, hiking, and being outdoors. He enjoyed the quiet times to sit and think, listen, and pray. Being out in nature fed his soul. In the flurry of energy and enthusiasm that was Jeff, he valued his calmer, quieter times in nature with just as much zeal.

I come into the peace of wild things who do not tax their lives with forethought of grief... For a time I rest in the grace of the world and am free.

Wendell Berry

Jeff’s passing is a loss beyond words, but we will meet him in places he loved, know his enthusiastic reactions to football and soccer games, share his delight at a good meal with family and friends, and feel him with us always.

Visitation will be held Monday, April 18th from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Brentwood-Roesch-Patton funeral home at 9010 Church Street, E, Brentwood, Tennessee. Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 19, 2022, at 10:00 am at St. Edwards Catholic Church at 188 Thompson Lane, Nashville, Tennessee with visitation from 9:00 to 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Edward Catholic Church in Jeff’s name.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.marshalldonnellycombs.com for the Byrd family.