David Alister Graham Byars
David Alister Graham Byars, 76, of South Knoxville, formerly of Clinton, Tennessee, and Aberdeen, Scotland, passed away Oct. 14, 2025, at Ben Atchley Veterans Home in Knoxville.
Born Aug. 22, 1949, in Aberdeen, Graham emigrated to the United States with his parents and sister in 1957. The family first settled in New York, before moving to East Tennessee in 1959, living in Oak Ridge, Knoxville and Norris before making Clinton their home.
He graduated from Clinton High School in 1967 and attended the University of Tennessee before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1968.
While serving in the Republic of South Vietnam, he became a naturalized U.S. citizen in Honolulu, Hawaii.
Following his military service, Graham returned to the University of Tennessee to complete his education, and later pursued technical training at the Tennessee Institute of Electronics.
His career began with local firms and progressed into roles in information technology with IBM and Wang Laboratories. He later worked as a consultant with TVA, and transitioned into education at ITT Technical Institute as an instructor and director of placement. He concluded his professional journey at Cendant Corporation, where he rose to an executive position.
Graham retired in 2005 and enjoyed spending time with friends, caring for his dogs, and tending to his home and garden.
He was preceded in death by his father, David Noel Byars; mother, Vera Donald Belitz; and adoptive father, Bruce Herbert Belitz.
He is survived by his sisters, Kathleen Jones, Pat Bean and Susan Coe; brother, Bruce Belitz; their spouses and children; and his longtime friend and roommate, David Clark, and his wife, Sharon.
The family would like to thank Dr. Douglas Marlow, his physician for many years; the staff at Deane Hill Assisted Living; Amazing Angels; and the staff at Ben Atchley Veterans Home for their loving care.
In accordance with Graham’s wishes, no funeral or memorial services will be held.