Arthur Byrne

Byrne, Arthur D., age 88, of Maryville, eased out of this life at UT Hospital June 26, 2007. He was the son of Arthur D. Byrne, Sr. and Esther Neeley Byrne, of Gainesboro, both deceased, and the brother of Ann Byrne Rosson, of Knoxville, deceased, and Betsy Byrne Laude, of Boise, Idaho. He never strayed far from his Irish ancestry and rural Jackson County roots. Arthur met Jean White, his wife to-be at Maryville College where he received a bachelor?s degree in 1939. He then completed a J.D. degree from The University of Tennessee College of Law and practiced law in Knoxville until retiring in 1999. He was a long-time member of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, the American College of Trial Lawyers, the Federation of Insurance Counsel and the Tennessee Bar Association. He served as president of the Knoxville Bar Association from 1963-1964. The association presented him with the ?Governor?s Award? in 1994. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 1943-1946 where he earned the rank of Captain; he was decorated for his service in the Pacific. He was a Knoxville Symphony Orchestra board member from the early 1960s to the late 1980s and served as President from 1974-1975. Art read everywhere and everything - from Civil War history and biography to Dickens and Zane Gray. He enjoyed cartooning, woodworking, drawing and painting, stained glass artistry, old movies, traveling, finding bargains and mending things that anyone else would toss and replace. He was a Lady Vol season ticket holder throughout Pat Summit?s reign and he thrilled with each national championship win. At tense moments during a game?s broadcast, he could often be found cleaning the garage. He was a devoted, compassionate, loving husband and a patient, generous, supportive father. His departure creates an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who respected and cherished him. He leaves in his wake a family and friends blessed by his quiet presence, humor, unwavering acceptance, humility, empathy, and fairness. Wife of 65 years, Jean White Byrne of Maryville, and by daughters Laurie Byrne of Maryville, and Terry Byrne of Rochester, NY. A memorial service will be held on Monday, July 2nd at 3:00 PM in the sanctuary of Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church in Knoxville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations go to the Jackson County Historical Society, Blount County Habitat for Humanity or Magnolia Avenue United Methodist Church.