Chris Birdwell

Mr. Chris Birdwell, age 85, of Kingsport, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday May 22, 2013 at his residence with his family at his side. Mr. Birdwell was born on April 6, 1928 the son of the late Jess Russell and Betty Cleo Strickler Birdwell. Prior to his retirement, Mr. Birdwell was a self employed builder/land developer. He was evangelized by the Living Word Lutheran Church and proudly served in the United States Army during World War II. Survivors include his loving wife of 62 years, Mrs. Virginia Grace Calhoun Birdwell. One son, James R. (Linda) Birdwell. One daughter, Ina Christina “Crissy” (Ray) Chandler. One brother, Jess Robert Birdwell. Grandchildren, Steven (Sherry)Sawyer, Michael (Sarah Jeffery) Birdwell, Amber Birdwell and Freddie (Kristy)“Chip” Sawyer. Great- grandchildren, Parker Edgemon, Abigale Sawyer, Dylan Sawyer, Destiney Sawyer, Desiree Sawyer, Ashley Ward and Megan Ward and several nieces and nephews also survive.The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the funeral home. Funeral services will be conducted on Sunday May 26, 2013 at 3:30 p.m. from the chapel of the East Lawn Funeral Home with Vicar Nate Buchner officiating. Burial will follow in the East Lawn Memorial Park. The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Living Word Lutheran Church, 5210 North Roan St., Gray, Tn. 37615. The family wishes to send special “Thank You” to Amedisys Hospice, Dr. Ronald Hunter, Pat Gibson FNP, Dr. Ibrahim Nakoul, and Margaret Boggs LPN. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.eastlawnkingsport.com. East Lawn Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Mr. Chris Birdwell.