Billie Rex Birdsong

Bill Birdsong was born in Woodrow, Arkansas on March 28, 1940 and he passed away in Riverside, CA on Sunday, April 19, 2020. He was married to Susan Birdsong for 60 years and theirs was one of the great love affairs of all time. Bill & Sue had 3 children, Mark Birdsong, Sheila Farley (Phil) and Bill was predeceased by his son Craig Birdsong in 2012. Bill is also survived by grandchildren Rick Farley, Robby Farley and Katie Farley, Robyn Birdsong, Krystal Birdsong, Eric Birdsong and grandson Mike McAllister. He had 3 great granddaughters, Aria & Kinsley McAllister and Rowan Farley. Altogether a beautiful family. Bill is survived by his loving mother, Alene Birdsong, 98 years old and 9 of his 12 siblings.

Bill was a gunners mate in the Navy from 1958-1962 and he served aboard the USS FLOYD B. PARKS DD884. The ship was his pride and after leaving the Navy he continued to work for the Parks Assn. putting together reunions for all shipmates who ever served aboard the Parks. He took great joy in his shipmates and the “sea stories” that all of them told.

After the Navy Bill worked in the aluminum industry from 1962-2006 when he retired. He was a metal man from the word go and knew everything there was to know about metal especially his department which was the foundry where metal was melted and formed.

All his life Bill wanted to be a cowboy. In 1997 he bought a horse, truck, trailer, all the tack needed for a horse and of course a house with a barn for the horse. He took part in team penning, a competition at Rancheros. He was truly the happiest we have ever seen him when he was on his horse.

Bill was a great man loved by everyone…..his family, his friends, his neighbors, his co-workers and anyone who knew him. He will forever be greatly missed. The family will be holding a Memorial Service at

Acheson and Graham Garden of Prayer Mortuary. In Riverside, California on Friday June, 18. 2021 at 12:00 PM.