William Alton "Bill" Birdsong, Sr., 79, of Little Rock, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, May 18, 2009 after a long illness. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, uncle, friend and businessman. A member of East Union Missionary Baptist Church, he volunteered with the Boy Scouts of America and was a barber for over 50 years.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Mary Irene Huffstutlar Birdsong; two daughters, Mary Powell, Phyllis Richey and husband Bill of East End; daughter-in-law, Sheila Birdsong Nix of Ash Flat; and six grandchildren, Matthew Birdsong and wife Tina, and Luke Birdsong of Conway; Ryan Richey of Fayetteville; and Erin Richey, Blake Powell and Brad Powell, all of East End. Bill was preceded in death by his son, Billy Birdsong, his parents and five brothers.
The family would like to offer a special thank you to Akesha Bridges, Debbie Winget and the VA Home Health for all their love and care shown to Bill and his family.
Visitation will be this evening, Wednesday, May 20 from 4-7 p.m. at Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. (NW corner I-630 and Barrow Rd.), Little Rock. Services will be on Thursday at 3:00 p.m. at the funeral home, officiated by Rev. Paul Roberts. Burial will follow at Morgan Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to East Union Missionary Baptist Church Building Fund, 20422 N. Springlake Rd., Little Rock, AR 72206.
Arrangements by Little Rock Funeral Home, (501)224-2200. Bill's online guestbook may be signed at www.littlerockfuneralhome.com