SFC Willie Newton Birdsill, ARMY (Ret), age 80 of Clarksville, passed away on Sunday, May 26, 2019 at Tennova Healthcare.
He was born on September 20, 1938 in Columbine, Wyoming to Clarence and Grace Anne Gibson Birdsill. Willie devoted his life to serving his country, serving twenty-five years in the Army, sixteen years in the Navy, two years in the Air Force, and two years in the National Guard. During this time, he served nine tours in Vietnam. He was an artist, a heavy-duty mechanic, and enjoyed macramé and woodworking.
Willie is preceded in death by his parents; his son, Kelley Joe Birdsill; his brother, Everett Birdsill; and his sister, Janice Nielson. He is survived by his wife of forty-seven years, Shelley Lutz Birdsill; his sons Robert (Donna) Birdsill and Richard Birdsill; his daughters, Valerie Fosky, Bonnie Birdsill, Nina Leyding, and Betsy Birdsill; his brother Harold Nielson; his thirteen grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren who knew him as “Popeye”.
Visit Willie’s guestbook at www.sykesfuneralhome.com and share a memory with the family.