Drue Dunlap Birmingham, Jr.

Drue D. Birmingham, Jr. was born in Tennessee on May 23, 1932 to Drue and Ruth Birmingham. He had one younger sister. Drue is a third generation native of Olive Branch, where he was reared and attended school. He was voted Most Intellectual Boy during his senior year at Olive Branch High School in 1950.

Following high school, Drue joined the United States Marine Corps in 1951 and served until 1954. While in the Marines, he completed a tour of duty in Korea as a member of the 1st Marine Division where he participated in actions against enemy forces earning three battle stars.

After discharge from the Marines, Drue enrolled at the University of Mississippi in 1954, earning a BBA in 1956. Intermittently over the next ten years he earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) Law Degree at the University of Memphis Law School, and a Master of Laws (LL.M) Degree from Ole Miss.

From 1958 until 1961, Drue was a Certified Flight Instructor for Memphis Flying Service. He has a commercial license, single and multi-engine land, with instrument rating.

Before going into private law practice in Olive Branch in 1979, he was employed as a Special Agent by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He served from 1969 until 1978 as Director of Real Estate for the Memphis Housing Authority.

Following a request by then Mayor Clay Herrington, in 1978 he established and organized the Police Court (today’s Olive Branch Municipal Court) which included drafting of the necessary ordinances and designing the many forms, many of which are still used today. He served as its first Judge from 1979 until 1985.

Drue was Scoutmaster of Troop 234 of the Boy Scouts of America and served as Chairman of the Troop Committee.

He was a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher of the First Baptist Church of Olive Branch, and served as Chairman of Trustees from 1975 until 2001.

Drue Birmingham has served Olive Branch well and was a worthy inductee into the Olive Branch Hall of Fame.

Drue died on May 26, 2014 at 82. He is survived by his wife of 57 years Annice Kidd Birmingham, daughter Debra Cloud (Steve), sons Brian Stephen Birmingham and Barry Davis Birmingham (Beverly). He is also survived by his sister Margaret Birmingham Moffatt, grandchildren Julie (Ariel), Nathan, Diana, Hannah, Emily, Mollie, and Blake.

There will be a gathering of friends on Thursday, May 29, 2014 from 5 till 8:00 pm., followed by the Funeral Service on Friday, May 30, 2014 at 10:00 am. All at Olive Branch First Baptist Church, 9235 Pigeon Roost Road , Olive Branch, MS.