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Don Byerly Obituary
Knoxville, TN
Don Wayne Byerly, age 85 of Knoxville, passed away Wednesday April 25, 2018. Born in Wilmington Delaware, he received a degree in geology from the College of Wooster, Wooster, OH, where he was a four-year starter on the Wooster Scot's football team. He received his M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee-Knoxville where he was professor emeritus of geology. He consulted as a professional geologist and authored The Last Billion Years; A Geologic History of Tennessee (copyright 2013).
He enjoyed the outdoors, camping, scouting, conservation, trout fishing, cooking big breakfasts, and sharing his passion for earth sciences with students of all ages, teachers, and anyone who would listen.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Elma Byerly and sister Audrey Lyons. Survivors include his wife of 62 years Sue Keller Byerly, sons and wives: David and Candi Byerly; Doug and Andrea Byerly; Phil and Stacy Byerly; daughter and husband, Sherry and Ben Broome; grandchildren: Carmen and Daniel Byerly; Austin and fiance Ashlyn and Brian Byerly; Alexander and Luke Byerly; Annie Broome Tipton and husband AJ; Molly Broome Thomas and husband Josh; and Adair Broome; great grandchild, Riley Anne Tipton.
The Celebration of Life service will be Sunday, May 6 at 2 pm in the sanctuary of Westminster Presbyterian Church. Receiving of Friends will be held immediately afterwards.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the Professor Don W. Byerly Field Camp Endowment in the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Tennessee Foundation 1525 University Avenue, Knoxville, TN 37921; The College of Wooster, W Association, 1012 Beall Ave, Wooster, Ohio 44691; or Westminster Presbyterian Church, 6500 S Northshore Drive, Knoxville TN 37919. Online condolences may be received at www.rosemortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Don Byerly
Tom Lakìn
August 13, 2023
I lost one of my heros when Dr. Byerly passed. He made me want to teach.
Elton Jones
November 1, 2018
I still remember your lectures from 45 years ago, Thank you, Sir for being an inspiration in my life.
Bo Connor
May 7, 2018
Sherry, Doug, Phil and David,
I just discovered that a man I have admired most of my life, your amazing Dad died last Wednesday. I am truly sorry that I missed this sad news and the celebration of his rock star life (my brother in law from Westminster Church just told us). My Deane Hill days were some great times, when the world was young and not so serious. Your Mom and Dad stood out among the outstanding group of parents that supported me so wonderfully, leading you and all the swim team kids with their integrity, example and big personalities. Please extend mine and Cindy's deepest sympathies to your beautiful, sweet Mom Bo
Doug Bayer
May 6, 2018
Doug, Phil and the Byerly Family..please accept my deepest sympathy for your loss.
Tina King
May 6, 2018
In my eyes, Don Byerly will always be regarded as the Father of Earth Science in Tennessee. He touched so many teachers through the TN Earth Science Teachers Association. He not only led teachers as a role model and encouraged their learning, but he provided opportunities to network and continue learning. He opened doors & encouraged growth. I always felt like a poster child for Earth Science because of the impact it made on my life. Don Byerly was there every step of the way. I was an elementary teacher that didn't have a strong science background, yet under his guidance and among others that he influenced, my life changed- my teaching changed- my students changed! From a two-month research experience in Antarctica, to a fellowship with the National Science Foundation to being a Park Ranger in Denali, AK and soon to be Yellowstone, I carry Don Byerly with me in my heart. I know first hand how much his life affected my life & learning. I love you, Don Byerly- I always have, I always will! You've touched my life & you will always be a part of who I am and what I do. I'll never forget you and the influence you've been on my life. You will be missed! I feel so blessed that our lives crossed! Thank you for making a difference!
May 4, 2018
David, so sorry about your father your family is in my thoughts and prayers your friend Sherrie Reed
Jen Whisner
May 1, 2018
Dr. Byerly was a generous man, an outstanding teacher, and a wonderful geologist. I am so sorry to hear of his passing.
Dr. Don W. Byerly leading a field trip in the Smokies (April 6, 2003)
J. Brad Stephenson
April 30, 2018
Dr. Don W. Byerly leading a field trip in the Smokies (April 6, 2003)
J. Brad Stephenson
April 30, 2018
Dr. Don W. Byerly with friends at the Gray Fossil Site (April 15, 2017)
J. Brad Stephenson
April 30, 2018
Dr. Don W. Byerly leading a field trip in the Smokies (April 6, 2003)
J. Brad Stephenson
April 30, 2018
Dr. Don W. Byerly with friends at the Gray Fossil Site (April 15, 2017)
J. Brad Stephenson
April 30, 2018
Dr. Don W. Byerly leading a field trip in the Smokies (April 6, 2003)
J. Brad Stephenson
April 30, 2018
Dr. Don W. Byerly with friends at the Gray Fossil Site (April 15, 2017)
J. Brad Stephenson
April 30, 2018
Dr. Don W. Byerly with friends at the Gray Fossil Site (April 15, 2017)
J. Brad Stephenson
April 30, 2018
Dr. Don Byerly, Geology Field Trip in the Smokies
Brad & Seaira Stephenson
April 30, 2018
Don was a blessing in our lives for more than two decades. We learned and laughed a lot together through our mutual participation of the East Tennessee Geological Society (ETGS). Hundreds of geologists have benefited from Don's work with ETGS in the 44 years since he led the effort to establish the organization. It's an understatement to say he will be sorely missed and remembered fondly. This is a hard loss for us, but his legacy lives on in so many. We hope that brings some measure of comfort to his family at this difficult time.
Thomas Cronin
April 30, 2018
Dear Byerly family,
My condolences on Dr. Byerly's passing. He helped me gain focus when I was an unfocused undergrad at UT. He was friendly with a great sense of humor. The geologic lessons he passed on at UT's field camp were valuable for all of his students. He was a great teacher and even better person.
Stan Boyd
April 30, 2018
Don Byerly was my field camp professor, I will always be fortunate to have learned from him, and I can truly say that he made a positive impact in my life. I am forever appreciative of his leadership that inspired me to have a career based in geology that is focused on the protection of Tennessee's environment and residents.
Bill Sullivan
April 29, 2018
Don was the type locality for good teaching, mentoring and friendship...he will be remembered fondly.
JaSal and Sandra Morris
April 29, 2018
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to assist you during this difficult time.
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