Robert K. Bird

Robert K. Bird, 95, of Greeneville, passed away Thursday at his home.

Robert was born in Greene County. He graduated from East Tennessee State University in1950 with a Bachelor of Science in History and Physical Education. After one year as an educator and coach, he served in the Counter Intelligence Corps of the U.S. Army, spending over two-years in Germany.

Following discharge, he worked in private industry until 1956, when he was appointed as a FBI Special Agent. Following training in Quantico, Virginia, he was assigned to the Springfield, Illinois office and then in Chicago. Robert was a firearms and police instructor at the federal, state, and local levels. He worked on several notable major crime cases. In 1972, he was transferred to the Louisville division where he worked in the Cynthia and Lexington areas. Robert retired in 1980 and began a second career in state government as Commissioner of the KY Police Training Academy, and Director of Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement Division where he served until 1988.

They returned to their roots in Greene County in 1988 where he served in elected public office as Mayor of Tusculum, Greene County Commissioner, and other appointed positions. Robert was a member of the Society of Former Agents of the FBI, Inc. since 1988, East Tennessee Chapter.

Robert was a member of Shiloh Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

He was married to Eva Maupin Bird in 1956. They have two children: Dr. Martha Bird and Robert K Bird Jr. (Kathy); four grandchildren: Jared McKay, Maisie McKay, Marcus McKay, and Eric Bird; and two great-grandchildren: Aria McKay-Mathews and Owen McKay. He is also survived by his brother: James Bird; a sister-in-law: Lynda Maupin; and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at Jeffers Funeral & Cremation Service, Afton chapel.

The funeral Service will be Thursday at 1 p.m. in Jeffers Afton Chapel with Pastor Tammy Green officiating.

Interment will follow in Hermon Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Herman United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, or Shiloh Presbyterian Church Building Fund.