Paul Byrd

October 25, 1939 - February 7, 2019

William Paul Byrd age 79 of Dayton died Thursday morning, February 7, 2019 at Memorial Northpark Hospital in Hixson. He was born in Rhea County on October 25, 1939 the son of the late Ted William Byrd and Emma (McFalls) Byrd. He was also preceded in death by his two brothers, Harold Byrd and Edward “Doc” Byrd and his sister Wanda Reynolds. He was a graduate of Spring City High School class of 1957. Paul was a lifelong resident of Rhea County and had been employed as a truck driver for many years with COAir, Inc. Paul enjoyed fishing, traveling on day trips, attending antique car shows and anything to do with history. He was of the Baptist faith. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, JoAnna (Perkinson) Byrd of Dayton, his daughter, Dewanna K. Laning and his three grandchildren, Seth William Laning, Emma Kay Laning and Luke Robert Laning all of York, PA and his brother-in-law J.L. Perkinson of Chattanooga along with several nephews and nieces. Funeral services for Paul will be held Sunday afternoon at 4:00pm in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Clyde Fitzgerald and Rev. Milton Knox officiating. He will be laid to rest in Rhea Memory Gardens. Please share your memories of Paul on his online guest register at www.vanderwallfh.com. The family is being cared for by the Vanderwall Funeral Home where they will receive friends Sunday after 1:00pm.