James "J. D." Donald Birdwell

James “J. D.” Birdwell, age 85 years, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, March 16, 2012, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center surrounded by his wife and children. He was born on September 12, 1926 in Robertson County, Tennessee, the oldest of thirteen children to Delwin E. & Lucille Prince Birdwell. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Jewel & Wayne Birdwell and 3 infant granddaughters, Holly, Angel & Kristy. A Celebration of his life will be held Monday, March 19, 2012 at 1PM at Austin & Bell Funeral Home, Greenbrier Chapel with Deacon John Twist officiating. He was a proud veteran of WW II, serving in the U.S. Army in Okinawa. He retired after almost 20 years as the Superintendent of road construction with APAC of TN. He loved woodworking and crafting all kinds of items. He built houses at one time. He and his wife loved camping and he loved to fish. They were members of the NCHA Camping Club. He was a member of Ebenezer Baptist Church for over 50 years where he served as a deacon for 8 years. He was a big fan of the Atlanta Braves and the Tennessee Titans and always enjoyed watching their games. He was united in marriage to Katherine Morris on August 7, 1946 in Franklin, KY. In addition to his wife of 65 years, Katherine, he is survived by daughters, Linda Gayle (David) Brainerd, Bruce, WI, Wanda (Dale) Combs, Greenbrier, TN, Sandra Birdwell, Greenbrier,TN, Denise (Kevin) Snider, Pegram, TN, Regina (Kipp) Walden, Smyrna, TN; sons, Charles (Gayle) Birdwell, Greenbrier, TN, Ronald (Murium) Birdwell, Greenbrier, TN, Dennis (Melonie) Birdwell, Greenbrier, TN; sisters, Alma Owen, Goodlettsville, TN, Ruth Ricks, Greenbrier, TN, Helen Baggett, Greenbrier, TN, Marie (Tom) Haley, Goodlettsville, TN, Lucille (Troy) Bell, Ridgetop, TN; brothers, Grant (Shirley) Birdwell, Boynton Beach, FL, Bobby Birdwell, Greenbrier, TN, Paul (Toni) Birdwell, St. James City, FL, David (Kay) Birdwell, Greenbrier, TN, Leonard Birdwell, Cleveland, TN; 28 grandchildren & 44 great grandchildren. Friends may visit with the family on Saturday, March 17, 2012 from 4-8PM, Sunday, March 18, 2012 from 2-8PM and on Monday, March 19, 2012 from 11-1PM the time of the service. Final resting place will be at Robertson County Memorial Gardens with military honors. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be past and present Deacons of the Ebenezer Baptist Church. The family suggests donations are made to Ebenezer Baptist Church Building Fund “In Memory of J. D. Birdwell”, C/O Austin & Bell Funeral Home, 2619 Highway 41 South, Greenbrier, TN 37073. Austin & Bell Funeral Home, Greenbrier Chapel, 2619 Highway 41 South, Greenbrier, TN 37073, Phone 615.643.4000

James "J. D." Donald Birdwell

September 12, 1926 - March 16, 2012