Raymond Clay Birdsong , 85, of Columbia, died June 2, 2015, due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. He was born in Columbia on October 7, 1929 to Golder Clay and Josephine Lloyd Birdsong. In 1953 he married Mary Cody, and she preceded him in death in 2000. In 2003 he married Violet Lewis, and she survives.
Raymond joined the Air Force in 1948 and was Honorably discharged in 1952. He later worked for Lockheed-Martin in California as a Flight test Engineer, and returned to Columbia after retirement. Raymond was an avid fan of Mizzou Football and a long time member of the Mizzou Quarterback Club.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his step-daughters Kathy (Paul) Rothove and Terry (Rich) Tinaglia as well as step-granchildren Ann Rothove, Matthew Rothove and Charles Andrews.
Private family services will be held. In lieu of flowers, to honor Raymond Birdsong’s memory, please consider a donation to The Michael J. Fox Foundation (Donation Processing, PO Box 5014, Hagerstown MD 21741) or Hospice Compassus (3050 I-70 Drive SE, Suite 100, Columbia MO 65201).
