Brookhaven icon Robert Byrd also known as Mr. Pete celebrates his 85th Birthday with a cake made for him by Janie’s Bakery Thursday.

Byrd has been living in Brookhaven since the 60s and has become an integral part of the community. His great-niece Leatrice Mobley said although he never married or had kids, he is surrounded by the love from his sister’s children and grandchildren who frequently visit and check on his well-being. Mobley said several live in Brookhaven and the surrounding areas. The town of Brookhaven has also become a family for the 85 year old.

Byrd moved to Brookhaven with his mother in the 60s and was working for a tailor shop. He suffered a heart attack several years ago that rendered him unable to work and he also has been affected by arthritis. Byrd said it won’t keep him down and it hasn’t.

With the help of Carolyn Sanders, Byrd is able to get by.

“She has been really good to me,” said Byrd. “I appreciate what she does. She is a good person.”

Editor’s note: This contains corrections from Wednesday’s “Local legend turns 85”