Robert Bird

Robert K. Bird age 95, of Greeneville passed away Dec. 12, 2024 at his home.
Robert was born in Greene County, TN. He graduated from ETSU in1950 with a B.S. in History and Physical Education. After one year as an educator and coach, he served in the Counter Intelligence Corps of the US 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, VA, he was assigned to the Springfield IL. office and then to 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 KY Vehicle Enforcement Division where he served until 1988. They returned to their roots in Greene County, TN. 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 also 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, sister-in-law Lynda Maupin and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 4-7 pm at Jeffers Funeral Chapel in Afton. The funeral Service will be held Thursday at 1 pm in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Tammy Green officiating. Interment will follow in Hermon Cemetery with the Greene County Honor Guard conducting military honors.

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