
William Bedford (Bill) Birdsong
Passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, June 2nd, 2021, in Alexandria, VA. He is survived by his beloved wife of 31 years, Gail Birdsong; sons Darryn Richardson (Carla) of West Memphis, AR, and Jason Richardson (Tammy) of Cordova, AL; sisters-in-law Charlene Birdsong and Bette Hollis; six grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren; nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends. He is preceded in death by his brothers James Hollis and Ben Birdsong.
Born in Sarasota, Florida to military parents, Bill lived in many places as a child, including Japan. After working on his Master of Science degree at Georgia Southwestern College in Americus, Georgia, he spent many years doing manufacturing engineering work in various locations prior to taking early retirement. During his years living in North Carolina, Bill served as a Councilmember for the Town of Butner, and Board Member of the South Granville Water and Sewer Authority.
He loved all things aeronautic, piloting small aircraft and sharing his bird’s eye view with friends and family. The engineering, research, and business skills he honed were put to good use in most everything he did.
Bill was a man of faith, active at FBC Butner, where for several years he taught children’s Sunday School classes with Gail. With his kind, gentle spirit, and dry humor, Bill brightened the lives of many people. His bigger-than-life approach was evident in his career, family, personal, and faith family relationships. He will truly be missed.
Visitation will be held on Friday, June 11th, from 12:30 to 1:45 pm in the Family Life Center of First Baptist Church Butner, prior to the funeral service at 2:00 pm in the Sanctuary. This celebration of Bill’s life will be conducted by Dr. Charlie Bryan. Interment directly following at Carolina Memorial Gardens in Creedmoor. Flowers are kindly accepted or memorial contributions may be given in his honor to First Baptist Church, 200 West D Street, Butner, NC 27509, or mailed to Post Office Box 44, Butner, NC 27509.
19 Comments
Gail- My deepest and most sincerest condolences to you and your family. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
There are no words to say that express the loss we are feeling, Samantha. Such a shock, and such a loss. Thank you for your words of comfort, and your prayers. They are all that I know that can get us through this. I miss him so much already.
Gail Deepest Sympathy for your loss. He was a kind and gentle man. I know you will miss him dearly.
Darlene Campbell
Thank you, Darlene, for your kind words of comfort. You captured who Bill was; he was indeed a kind and gentle man and I miss him so much.
Gail, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers are with you and your family at this sad time. My prayer is you will find comfort in you many memories together.
This has truly been unreal for us, Nancy. Thank you so much for your prayers and words of comfort. I miss him so much, already.
Gail and family.I;m so sorry for your loss.
Wes Faucette
Scalehouse at Certainteed
Wes, it is so kind of you to take time to offer words of comfort; thank you. I miss him so much already.
So sorry for your loss. We will be praying for your family. I had the pleasure of serving on the Granville County Crime Stoppers board with Bill. Such a pleasant person to be around.
Vickie, thank you so much for your kind words about my Bill; he was indeed a sweet, kind man, and I miss him so much; I appreciate you taking time to offer comfort.
Gail we are so sorry to hear about Bill’s death I only met him a few times but I knew he was a good man.We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Warren and Loretta Claiborne
I met Bill at a Granville County Crimestoppers board meeting! He made me feel like family! I will miss him ! My thoughts & prayers are with you all !
Thank you so much, Russell, for letting me know of your connection to my Bill. He was always good about trying to make sure no one felt like an outsider in any place he served, and I appreciate you taking the time to say those words of comfort. I miss him so much already.
Gail Sorry for your loss I know that it is a sad time for you and it will take time for you to get over it, I know how lonesome it will be for you. I have been through it.But God is good all the time and he will get you through it.
Gail –I am so sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. I really liked Bill when we worked together on his resume. Of course I enjoyed our time in the Personnel world. It was never dull. Lori and I will be praying for you and your family. May God Bless and comfort you. Thanks Phil and Lori Huber
Gail, my heart and prayers have been with you since I heard of your losing Bill to his heavenly home. As one who has lost her husband of 43 years, Your dependence and faith in our Lord will be your strength and compass.. I appreciate your and Bill’s dedication in teaching the children of our Church. It takes special people as you two to work with children. He will be truly missed. May our love and prayers sustain you during this time.
I’m so very sorry I have only just heard of Bills passing, I spent time with him on the Leadership program. A really nice guy , my sincere condolences .
I read this obituary in the Sarasota Herald Tribune. I lived in Memphis, Tn. from 1933-1955, next door to my best friend Mary Elizabeth Birdsong, her brother Sydney, and her two lovely parents, whose first names I cannot remember.My address was 789 N. Willett.. Just wondering if this Mr. Birdsong was a relation to “my ” Birdsong family.. I married and moved away in 1955 and lost track of this lovely family.
Gail, I was so sorry to hear that Bill had passed away, and that I did not know sooner! I will continue to keep you in my prayers! You have all of my love and heartfelt sympathy!!!!
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