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Kenneth Birdsong Obituary
Mr. Birdsong was born and continued to reside in Twiggs County where he was a lifetime farmer. In the last several years he had become an avid collector of old farm tractors and equipment. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1945 and served during World War II and in Korea. Upon being discharged, he enlisted in the Army Reserve 340th Engineer Construction Battalion, where he served on active duty in 1949 and 1950. He was a recipient of the World War II Victory Ribbon.
He served as Justice of the Peace in Twiggs County from 1951 until 1960 and served as Twiggs County Commissioner from 1961 until his election to the Georgia General Assembly in 1976. In 1975, he was one of the founders of the Older Americans Council of Middle Georgia. He was also active in Gordon and Gray VFW and American Legion Posts as well as the Exchange Club of Macon. He was very active in various civic, religious and social affairs of the community. He was a member of Stone Creek Baptist Church in Dry Branch GA.
He was elected to the House of Representatives in 1976 and served until retiring in 2004. In that position he represented Twiggs, Wilkinson and parts of Bibb and Jones Counties. He was chairman of the Defense and Veterans Affairs Committee, where he demonstrated excellent leadership ability in considering major legislation assigned to his committee and he provided unyielding support to the men and women in the Armed Forces and their families, the Georgia National Guard, and veterans and their families. His legislative experience and keen understanding of governmental problems made him one of the most influential members of the House of Representatives. He was one of Georgia's longest serving state legislators. He had 54 years of public service to the citizens of the state of Georgia. He was appointed to the Georgia State Veterans Board by Gov. Sonny Perdue in 2005. He currently was serving as their chairman.
He and his brother, Dr. William R. Birdsong, were owners of Birdsong International-International Harvester Tractor Dealership. He and his family operated that business from 1969 until 1985.
He was the son of the late William Oscar and Clara Ward Birdsong of Twiggs County. He was predeceased by brother, Dr. William R. Birdsong, and sisters, Marie Hall, Virginia Callaway and Grace Birdsong.
He is survived by his sons, K.O. (Cheryl), Steve (Suzanne), and Roger (Jackie) Birdsong; daughter, Dianne Hodges (Larry Clark) and step daughter, Joy (Louis) Garcia; grandchildren, Melissa (Jay) Touchton, Jason (Janna) Gatliff, Rachel Birdsong, Roger Birdsong, Richard Thompson (Keeley), Neal (Jenny) Birdsong, Rachel (Ben) Crabtree, Michael Birdsong, Angela Birdsong, Brianne Birdsong, Bubba Birdsong and Nikki (Wyatt) Erminger. He was previously married to Betty Anne Stevens Birdsong of Haddock for 43 years. Numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Register online at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory, Cherry Street, has charge of arrangements.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Kenneth Birdsong
Sponsored by Dianne & Larry Clark.
Cynthia Brooks Baptiste
August 5, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear about mr. Kenneth. I hope all the family are doing well. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Walter Harper (WC)
March 2, 2011
K.O., Steve, Dianne, Roger
I am writing to late because I do not read OB page, and I found out from a friend at work about Your Dad.
When we moved to Twiggs county in 1958, Your dad was the first to come and help my Mother and Dad get settled, and oftered to help any way he could. To my Mother and Dad, MR Kenneth could do NO wrong and yes I will miss him as much as you all will.
May God Bless.
Betty Moser
February 25, 2011
To K.O., Steve, Roger, Dianne, Joy and all, we send our thoughts and prayers to you at this time. Being relatives out west, we knew Kenneth and last saw him about 5 years ago. God bless you all. Betty & Ron Moser and family (granddaughter of Harvey Birdsong).
Faye Moore
February 23, 2011
Steve, Suzanne and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of your loss. Just remember all the wonderful times and memories and may they help you through this time and help bring you all comfort. God bless.
SHEILA & CHUCKY DUPREE
February 23, 2011
HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. MAY GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU AT THIS TIME OF YOUR LOSS. CHUCKY & SHEILA DUPREE
Martha Bond Branson
February 23, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with all of
you in the Birdsong family. May God
comfort each of you. God bless each of you, too
Martha Bond Branson
Robert Michaud
February 23, 2011
We are very sorry for you loss.
Old Clinton Bar B Q
Gray and Milledgeville
February 22, 2011
ko,dianne&family,so sorry to hear about your daddy. my prayers are with you all. love, kaynelle gazafy
Tony and Susan Budrys
February 22, 2011
Our heartfelt prayers go out to each of you. We pray that God's grace and love will carry you through this time of grief. May the wonderful times and memories that you shared bring you comfort.
Bobby Michaud
February 22, 2011
Mr. Birdsong will be missed by us all, He would lighten up our day every time he visited us at Old Clinton BBQ. He would probably scold us for hanging our heads. Our condolences to the family and loved ones.
William Simpson
February 22, 2011
I was so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
mike deVegter
February 22, 2011
I knew Kenneth Birdsong from his service in the Georgia General Assembly. He was a man of his word, solid as a rock, and always did the right thing. He was a tireless spokesman for the folks in his district. Rest in peace Kenneth.
February 22, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss. Your family is in my prayers.
- Margaret Batchelor (Dry Branch, GA)
Sheila Lynch
February 22, 2011
I will miss our conversations. He was truly a loving, caring man who loved the Veterans in our State. Peace be with you my friend.
Lisa Wicker
February 22, 2011
Mr. Birdsong was a faithful public servant, who did much for so many. As the DFCS County Director for Wilkinson county, I found his support and guidance to be invaluable. I am sorry that I learned of his death too late to attend his service. He will be greatly missed.
Lynne Kehaya
February 22, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
The Payne Family, The Mickle Family and the Kehaya Family, Macon, Ga
Jack Mefford
February 22, 2011
Ken was a hard worker for Georgia Veterans and he will be missed.
Judy Johnson
February 22, 2011
Deepest sympathies to the family of Mr. Birdsong. He was a wonderful man and friend. The veterans in the State will surley miss him for he was a true veterans advocate.
George and Candy Kaegi
February 22, 2011
To the Birdsong Family our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Kyrtle Wall Robertson
February 22, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Kandy Robertson
February 22, 2011
My heart was truly sadden when I heard of Mr. Birdsong passing.
When I was a junior in high school, I served as a page in Georgia House of Representatives for Mr. Birdsong. A great experience that I will never forget.
He was a dear friend to my grandparents.I can remember on many occasions going to visit them and Mr. Birdsong would be there visiting, he would sit for hours talking politics and farming with them.
He cared for the people in his district and represented them well.
Diane, your father will be truly missed.
May God bless and keep you and your family
Patricia Davis
February 21, 2011
My sincere sympathies to the Family of Mr Ken. He was a wonderful, caring man and the world has lost a great person. May God comfort you in this time of loss.
Steven Carden
February 21, 2011
Rest in peace you true southern gentleman...
Rep. David & Councilwoman Elaine Lucas
February 21, 2011
We thought a lot of Ken. He was honest and kept his word. My husband served a long time with Ken and worked very well with him. He did what was right by the people he represented. He will be missed.
Casey & Judy Youngblood
February 21, 2011
Thank you Mr. Birdsong, for all the good deeds you have done for our county of Wilkinson & for all the veterans and their families.
With deepest sympathy to the Birdsong family.
Brooke Moore and Family
February 21, 2011
You were a wonderful leader....You lived you life well and served our country and fought and stood up for what you beleived in...You will be missed, we will love and miss you!
Denise (Brown)Goodman
February 21, 2011
Dianne, Roger and Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all upon the loss of your Daddy he was an amazing person that shall be missed by many. The Country, State and Twiggs County has lost a great humble and sweetheart of a man. Mr. Kenneth never met a stranger, he always helped everyone out, our Veterans will miss him and all he did and was doing for them. My family and the Seniors and Staff at the Twiggs County Senior Center will miss him. The Lord has a caring Angel at home with him now. May your memories help you out during this rough time in your lives. God Bless
Elizabeth Proctor
February 21, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Emily Proctor
February 21, 2011
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
citizen of Ivey
February 21, 2011
If anyone would like to joing us in showing our respect to Mr Birdsong and his family: Lets line Hwy 243 in Ivey as His funeral procession comes through with waiving FLAGS.
Approx. 1:15-1:30PM Tues. Feb 22
Bring your FLAGS and Lets show our appreciation and respect to this man who served us for many years.
Rev. & Mrs. S.E. Johnson & Greater Bethel MBC
February 21, 2011
Representative Birdsong was loved and respected by most and he did a good job representing all. We are thankful to God for him and for his service to the Middle Georgia citizens,especially to those of us who are Veterans. Heaven's gain is our loss.
Lisa Massengale
February 21, 2011
Rest in peace, good and faithful servant. Mr. Kenneth will always hold a special place in my heart for he was instrumental in obtaining my daddys veteran benefits for my mama when he passed away in 1999. He will be greatly missed. For you, his family, may wonderful memories comfort you always.
Beth and David (Bloodworth) Peavy
February 21, 2011
We love yall so much and have been blessed to have you in our lives. Just remember that Mr. Kenneth is not hurting and in no pain now, and with Our Father in Heaven. May the Lord provide each one of you with His open hands of comfort and peace, and may you accept the healing that He provides.
Chuck and Rose Lane Leavell
February 21, 2011
Kenneth was a friend and a great inspiration to us. We will always be grateful to him and will miss him greatly.
Chuck and Rose Lane leavell
Kent McNeal
February 21, 2011
K.O., Steve, Dianne, and Roger
So sorry to hear about Mr. Kenneth, i will keep you all in my pragers..
Martha&Charles Cleary
February 21, 2011
We have lost a great friend and we will always treasure our many memories of Kenneth.A picture is on our bedside tablet of Kenneth presenting Charles the outstanding award of the Macon Exchange Club.(2009)May you have a real sense of God's presence during this time of sorrow.
George Sheffield
February 21, 2011
Mr. Birdsong served his country and community well. God blessed him greatly, and he was in turn a blessing to all of us. May God now grant the family the peace that only His Spirit can provide during this time.
Patsy Spear
February 21, 2011
My mom, Louise Lyles. and I are so sorry for your loss. He will be greatly missed. May God bless each of you and keep you in his care.
Alice Todd
February 21, 2011
Mr. (Kenneth) Birdsong will be greatly missed by the citizens of Wilkinson County. He was a friend to all.
Robert and Deborah Murphy
February 21, 2011
K.O., Steve, Dianne, and Roger,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. Mr. Kenneth was a good man,and I know that you are going to miss him greatly as will anyone that has ever known him. Please know that Jr. and I will keep the whole family in our thoughts and prayers as you go through this difficult time.
Keith FOREHAND
February 21, 2011
May the hand of God be with you all during this season.
Dale Washburn
February 21, 2011
I am so sorry to know of Mr. Birdsong's passing. He was an accomplished public servant who was highly thought of by many people. Donna and I extend our deepest sympathy.
Steve & Barbara Hester
February 21, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you with the loss of your father and grandfather. We will certainly miss his visits to check on us and to see if there was something else he could do to help. He was a good, caring man.
Michael & Shirley Jones
February 21, 2011
He was such a great man. Always ready to help someone and never expect anything in return. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. May your memories bring you comfort in the coming days and months. May God Bless.
Nadine Harper
February 21, 2011
To the birdsong family your father will be greatly missed, our prayers are with in this time of grief. Mrs. Nadine Harper Ivey,ga
Sue Stuckey
February 21, 2011
To the family of Mr. Birdsong,we sure will miss him did alot for the Vol.Fire Depts.Will miss seeing him at our Christmas Dinners.Our prays go out to the famliy from the High Hill VFD
Phil Youngblood
February 21, 2011
Mr. Birdsong was one of the greatest Veterans Advocates that the State of Georgia has had. He and his service to Georgia will be missed.
Laura B. Gallemore
February 21, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
George Thistlewood
February 21, 2011
Dear Family, I know you will all miss Kenneth as I will, he was a good man and if you needed his help he was there for you. I will miss his slow daily rides in front of my house and his occasional stops to set on my front porch and talk about how things were going or just about nothing.
James&Mary Wright
February 21, 2011
Our thauts are with your family. your family has truely had a wonderful person
in your family and those who have met him
have lost a wonderful friend.
James and Mary Wright, Milledgeville Ga.
john roberts
February 21, 2011
Mr. Kenneth was a fine man and great political leader. He will be missed. Current and future political figures could take a lesson from this humble, God fearing man.
February 21, 2011
THE BIRDSONG FAMILY - MISTER KEN WAS ONE OF THE MOST HONORABLE MEN I HAVE KNOWN - MY SYMPATHY FOR YOUR LOSS. MAX DAVIS - GRAY, GEORGIA
Steve & Paula King
February 21, 2011
Steve, K.O. & Diane,
We were sorry to hear about Mr. Kenneth. Mr. Kenneth was a great man and you should be very proud to call him your Father. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Leslie Tucker
February 20, 2011
My thoughts and prayers are with KO, Sheryl, Steve ,Dianne,and all the grandchildren and all family members. May your memories comfort you. In
christian Love Leslie Tucker
Billy and Marilyn Gay
February 20, 2011
The Birdsons family,
A true statesman and Christian man has received his reward. He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your loss.
February 20, 2011
Sorry to hear of the loss of your Daddy.Our thoughts & prayers are with you all. Margaret Anne & Ed Thornton
Evelyn Wood Tucker
February 20, 2011
K.O., Steve and Diane,
I am so sorry for the loss of Mr. Kenneth. He was a great leader to the community and I know he will be missed. God Bless You.
Councilman Terry Reese and family
February 20, 2011
Another book of knowledge has been closed on this side. A wonderful state rep. and an excellent gentleman he was. To the Birdsong family...Be encourage.
Frances Jackson Ryals & Gerald Ryals
February 20, 2011
With our deepest condolences during this time of loss.
Curtis & Luann Jackson
February 20, 2011
He was such a humble,quiet man and helped so many people in his service to this great state. He was an unselfish man and never expected anything in return for the deeds he did everyday. He had rather remain in the shadows and never glory in himself. He will be missed by so many. May God bless and strengthen you all during this trying time.
Deborah & Paul Scott
February 20, 2011
Diane:
I am so sorry to hear about your father. He was a great man. Let us know if we can do anything for you. You and your family are in our prayers.
Martha Grinstead
February 20, 2011
K. O, Steve, Dianne, and Roger and family-- I was sorry to hear of your loss. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers
February 20, 2011
James Harris and the Harris Family Gray, Georgia
February 20, 2011
With loving memories and deep prayers,
Nikki, Wyatt, Scarlett, Savanna, Olivia, and Alexandria
Sandy & Jackie Vinson
February 20, 2011
Our community has lost a great friend and dedicated man. Mr. Birdsong will be missed and to the family, we share your sorrow.
Mike & Beth Lange
February 20, 2011
Mr. Birdsong was a wonderful person and cared about his community. We are sorry to hear of his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.
February 20, 2011
Birdsong Family,
So sorry to hear of your dads passing. I know this a very sad time for you, but please remember you in my thought and prayers.
Ann Casteel Tidwell
Delores & Charlie Casteel
Betty Toussaint
February 20, 2011
Dianne and family
I am sorry to hear of your loss. I met your dad many years ago at a political event in Twiggs County and my impression of him is that he was a great public servant who cared about his constituents.
You have deepest sympathy and my prayers.
Larry Hatcher
February 20, 2011
i knew Kenneth and the family when they ran the tractor dealership in Macon
he will be missed
Lillian T. Rice
February 20, 2011
To Ken's family ~
I am so sorry to hear of Ken's passing. He was such a good man and a dedicated community servant who served his constituents well for many, many years. He will surely be remembered for his many good deeds to others and for his remarkable leadership in local and state government. I considered him a friend as, I am sure, did many others. You have my heart-felt condolences.
Joe Allen
February 20, 2011
You served this State and Middle Georgia well. You will be missed. May you serve God in Heaven as you did on Earth.
Your Christian Friend
Joe Allen
Bibb Commish @aol.com
Gloria Ussery Moore
February 20, 2011
K.O., Roger, Dianne, Steve and families,
I'm so sorry to hear about your daddy. Mr. Kenneth was a good and kind man who represented his constituents very well. He always listened and did his best to represent the needs and interests of all of us. You don't see many like him these days any more. He was always visible in Wilkinson County, shaking hands and visiting with folks. He was also concerned and involved when an issue came up that would affect one and/or all of us. I'll be praying for y'all in the days to come. God bless each one of you! What a legacy!
Ricky-Shirley Woodard
February 20, 2011
K.O. & Family,
You are in my prayers and Ricky's also.
We are so sorry for your loss. God always knows best. We love you
Ricky-Shirley Woodard
w
H. T. & Judy Brown
February 20, 2011
K.O., Roger, Dianne, & Steve,
We very so sorry to hear about Mr. Kenneth's passing. He was a very special man, doing so much for so many. We were always so glad to see him, and visit even for a short time. You have so many special memories personally, & of his years of service for his country, county, and community. You all are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Buford Pennington
February 20, 2011
I remember so well the last November 11, 2010 Veterans' Day Celebration at the Georgia War Veterans' Home and seeing Honorable Kenneth Birdsong sitting in his usual spot and then being recognized by the Host. Also, as usual, Mr. Birdsong gave a simple wave and that was his wonderful character; he never desired the spotlight or attention; just wanted to help everyone he saw who was in need. We've lost a "gentle" giant who not only served his country in "Two" (2) wars, but served his State of Georgia for another 28years. May God richly bless his family and please accept my condolences because I had the opportunity to meet him many, many times and he was always the quiet, unassuming gentleman. God has certainly called one of his angels home. Thank you for allowing me to express my feelings. BMP
February 20, 2011
Thanking of all your family, my prayers and thoughts are with you all. Larry Peters, Bolingbroke,Ga.
Allan & Shirley Green
February 20, 2011
We have certaily lost a dear gentleman and statesman in his day. He did a lot for Jones County and surronding counties. Our deepest sympathy to his family.
Dell McCann
February 20, 2011
I am sorry to learn of Mr. Birdsong's passing. He certainly served the citizens of Georgia well. I remember contacting him to speak to him about a bill that was being introduced; he invited me - a total stranger - to his home for the discussion. He was interested in who I was, who my family was, and within a few minutes realized he had known my great grandparents who'd died decades before.
My deepest condolences to his family.
Anthony & Peggy Boles
February 20, 2011
Kenneth was a good friend. We are very sorry to hear of his passing. He had such great stories he could tell. We will miss him dearly
Julie Massengale Tate
February 20, 2011
Mr. Birdsong was what a representative of the people should be. He helped my mother get my father's veterans' benefits when he passed away in 1999. She just happened to run into him at the post office and, as always, he asked about our family. She told him of her difficulties and within a month, she was receiving Daddy's benefits (retroactively to his death). Mr. Birdsong will always be a "lion" in my heart. May God comfort you all in this very difficult time.
joel ussery
February 20, 2011
We're sorry to hear about your Father , May God Bless your Family.we will be Praying for you.
Sara Forehand
February 20, 2011
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tina Hill-Gardner
February 20, 2011
K.O. & Family,
Deepest sympathies in your loss. Mr. Ken will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by many people. He certainly raised the bar for those following in his career footsteps. Bless you all in the days of adjustment forthcoming.
David Smith
February 19, 2011
K.O.,Roger,Steve
Your Dad will be remembered as one who took care of his community.I only had the chance to speak with him one time,but through his Sons it seems as though I have known him forever.
Keep the faith and know that others who care about you are praying God's comfort and peace in your lives.
Robert/ Dale Rogers
February 19, 2011
we have lost a good man.he has done alot for georiga and alot of people. he will be miised alot.out thoughts and prayers will be with all of you
Susie McAbee
February 19, 2011
So sorry to hear of Mr. Kenneth's passing. Ya'll will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Police Chief Burgamy
February 19, 2011
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Buddy & Faye Leslie King
February 19, 2011
K.O., Roger, Dianne, Stevie and Family
We have all lost a Good Man in our lives.
He has always been like a member of our Family and we all loved him for his caring ways and all He did for everyone.
May you all cherish his memories in the days and weeks ahead. Our thoughts and prayers will be with each of you. He will be missed very much.
Brenda Ferrara
February 19, 2011
Dianne I'm thinking of you and praying for you. I'm so sorry for your loss. I know how hard it is lose you father.
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