Robert F. Byrd, age 77, of Wallins, Kentucky, passed from this life on Friday, March 22, 2024, into his heavenly home after many years of suffering from many medical problems.

Born on October 14, 1946, in Waughkegan, Illinois, Waren Franklin Bartell Byrd at the age of six months came to be known as Robert Franklin Byrd.

Robert was a member of the last graduating class of Loyall High School. He later went on to take some college courses. He married his sweetheart, Peggy Sue Bianchi, on January 22, 1967. They intended to get married at Pine Flat Baptist Church in Tremont.  That particular day, however, Harlan was hit with a snow storm that delivered 7-8 inches of snow. Their church was located on a hill and Robert and Peggy couldn't make it to the church because of slick road conditions. Robert went to the home of his preacher, Reverend Ran Noe, picked him up, and took him back to their house in Loyall, where he married Robert and Peggy in their living room.  Those in attendance were their best friends, Arch and Joyce Wolf, Peggy's mother, Lena Bianchi, and her sister, Susan. Robert and Peggy were true to the vows they had taken back in 1967…for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and health…they held on to one another as steadfast partners and best friends for over 57 years.

Robert worked from the age 16 until 2000 when he became disabled. At that time, he was driving a big rig truck picking up parts for the Toyota Company in Georgetown, KY. Robert received his big rig drivers license in Somerset, KY, at Super Service Trucking. Later, he went to Phoenix Transportation where his long time friend, Tom Jones, worked and took Robert on as his co-driver and finish trainer. Robert and Tom's friendship began way back in 1977.

Robert had worked 2-3 jobs most of his life, which presented many opportunities. He worked for the Knoxville News Sentinel and the Harlan Daily Enterprise as District Manager. He also worked at Harlan County Detention Center as a correction's officer (deputy jailer). He was on the Loyall City Council, was a volunteer fire fighter, and also was the city judge for several years. He worked for three finance companies, two banks, and numerous odd jobs.

Robert was quiet, private man, who always enjoyed working. He was a hard worker and was always very sensible with his finances. He was a meticulous housekeeper. Robert was a great father, loved his family dearly, and he loved his Lord. He was a baptized believer in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He and Peggy most recently attended Wallins Baptist Church.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Anna (Watkins) Byrd; and his birth mother, Hila Watkins.

Left to cherish Robert's memory is his wife of 57 years, Peggy Bianchi Byrd; his daughter, Jennifer Byrd Burgan and husband, Eugene, and their children, Miranda and Dalton; and his daughter, April Elizabeth Points and husband, Spencer, and sons, Kenneth and Andrew; four cousins: Jerri Hobbs, Linda Middleton, Judy Reynolds, and Curtis Wilson; sister-in-law, Susan Phillips; a host of extended relatives, and many dear friends.

Visitation for Robert will be held on Sunday, March24, 2024, in the chapel of Harlan Funeral Home from 1:00-3:00pm with the funeral service beginning at 3:00. Reverend Jim Johnson will be officiating. Burial will take place at Harlan County Memorial Gardens, Tremont, KY. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Harlan Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Robert Byrd.