Born in Sargent, Georgia he was the son of the late Lois and Otis Byrd. While growing up in Newnan, GA, he was a member of the Boy Scouts of America; attaining the rank of Eagle Scout. He served as a Captain in the United States Army Medical Service Corp in Vietnam. He was decorated with a bronze star and air medal.
Tony graduated from the University of Georgia Cum Laude BBA and MBA with post-graduate work at Columbia University. While attending the University of Georgia, he was a member of the baseball team, Kappa Alpha Fraternity, as well as Beta Gama Sigma and Sigma Iota Epsilon business fraternities.
Mr. Byrd was a longtime banker in Athens and was also involved in the Athens Community. He was a member of the Georgia Touchdown Club, The Tip off Club, The Talmadge Terrace and Lanier Gardens Executive Board, a member of The Classic Center Foundation; The President’s Club and served as past president of the Anna’s Walk Homeowners Association.
Along with his wife, Sylvia, he enjoyed traveling to exotic places in the world where he was able to pursue his avid love of photography. Tony was known as an avid Bulldawg fan and supporter.
Mr. Byrd was a member of First Baptist Church of Athens where he served as a past chairman of the board of deacons and attained the position of deacon emeritus. He was involved with many church activities as a member of the Joe Callaway Sunday School Class.
Survivors include his wife Sylvia Byrd of Athens; sister-in-law, DeAlice (Danny) Williamson; brothers-in-law, Candler (Brenda) Boyd and Bill (Pat) Boyd; nieces and nephews, Tim Boyd, Candler Boyd, Darby Kinder, Jeff Boyd, and Cain Williamson; cousins, Kathy Shavers, Karri (Doug) Cook, and Sharon (Mike) Daley, and several great nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 11am Thursday, July 31st, at the Athens First Baptist Church with Dr. Paul Baxley, Dr. Jon Appleton and Dr. Ray Austin officiating. Interment will follow in Oconee Hill cemetery with military honors.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the ALS Foundation-Georgia, 1955 Cliff Valley Way NE # 116, Atlanta, GA 30329 or the Athens First Baptist Church
Capital Improvement Fund, 355 Pulaski Street, Athens, Georgia 30601.
The family will receive friends at Bernstein on Wednesday from 6-8 pm.
On line condolences and audio guest book may be made at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.
Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service are in charge of arrangements.
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