Obituary of Robert Franklin Byington, Jr.

Robert Franklin Byington, Jr. age 76, born November 26, 1942 of Surgoinsville went to sleep in Jesus peacefully at his home Saturday, October 12, 2019.

He was a lifelong member of Pink Hill Church, where he was the song leader, Sunday school teacher and youth leader. He made an impact on many lives. Robert was a bridge foreman for McKinnon Bridge Company until his retirement. He was a farmer and gardener. He was proud to be a soldier for the Lord. Robert loved his family and wanted them to all know Jesus as their personal Savior and to love each other.

His grandchildren were his treasure…he loved them unconditionally.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Ella Shiloney Byington; father and mother, Robert and Ruth Byington; sisters, Bertha Necessary and Linda Scalf; broher, Ralph Byington; grandchildren Casey Lynn Casteel; and father-in-law, Joe Lee Linkous.

He is survived by two daughters, Melissa A. Casteel and husband Eddie, Regina M. Hodges and husband Anthony; four grandchildren, Ethan Casteel, Eli Casteel, Michelle Hodges, Cody Hodges(Victoria Farris); two great-grandchildren, Cambren Hodges and Gracelyn Ella May Hodges; two sisters Shirley Seymore and Barbara Lindsey  (Chester); one brother Jerry Byington (Bobbie); special brother-in-law, Clarence Necessary; brother-in-law’s, Dale Scalf, Jerry Linkous(Barbara), Michael Linkous (Carolyn) and sister-in-law Bertha Byington.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 16, 2019 from 11 am until 1 pm at Pink Hill Baptist Church. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 pm with pastor Richard Watts officiating. Music will be provided by family and friends. Graveside services will follow at Hawkins County Memorial Gardens.