BYARS, MARK DOUGLAS - 44, of Knoxville, and formerly of Athens, died Saturday afternoon, March 10, 2012, at his residence. A native of McMinn County, he was a son of the late Carl B. Byars. He was a member of the Unitarian Church of Knoxville. He was a graduate of McMinn Central High School, a graduate of Cleveland State Community College, and had attended the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. He was a Senior Information System Specialist at IT Dept. at the Enrichment Federal Credit Union of Oak Ridge. He is survived by his mother, Betty Webb Byars of Athens; his fiancée, Ann Kidd, Knoxville; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Susan and Michael Tullock of Athens, Julie and Don Whitted of Knoxville; one brother and sister-in-law, Steven and Gretchen Byars of Ft. Worth, TX; two nieces, Marissa Tullock and Sarah Byars; and four nephews, Nathan Tullock, Ryan Whitted, William Byars and Patrick Byars. A graveside service will be conducted, 2:00 pm, March 14, 2012, at McMinn Memory Gardens with the Rev. Bob Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends, Tuesday, March 13, 2012, from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. at Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens. The family suggests memorial be made to the American Cancer Society , c/o Faye Forgety, 120 CR 447, Athens, TN 37303. If you are unable to attend this service or visitation you may sign the guest register at www.jerrysmithfuneralhome.com. Smith Funeral & Cremation Services of Athens is serving the family of Mark Douglas Byars.