Obituary of Walter David Birdwell

Palmer – Mr. Walter David Birdwell, 75, died unexpectedly from injuries he received in a farming accident at his home.  He was born in Palmer, Tennessee on October 18, 1942 to Claude Leonard and Willette Brewer Birdwell who preceeded him in death along with his infant daughter, Tammy Birdwell; brothers, Lindle, Roger, Don and Doug Birdwell; nephew, Lindley Garner.

He was a member of the Sewanee Lodge #405 F&AM in Tracy City and attended the East Valley Baptist Church in Dunlap, Tennessee.  Dave was a heavy equipment operator and mechanic for many years before he retired from Skyline Coal Company.  He retired to the life he loved, farming. The only thing he loved more was his family. He was so proud of his children, his grandsons were his world and his wife was the love of his life for 56 years.  Dave’s laughter and love will be missed till we meet again.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey Gravitt Birdwell; son, Mike (Tonya) Birdwell; daughter, Kendra Birdwell; sisters, Pat Ann Meeks and Pam (Sherrill) Meeks; brothers, Tommy (Viva) and Larry (Weedy) Birdwell; sister-in-laws, Christine Birdwell, Rachel Birdwell and Patsy Birdwell; grandchildren, Terrance (Mariah) Clark, Serving active duty in the US Army, Trevor (Sara) Clark, Trey (Amber) and Tavin Birdwell; several nieces and nephews, extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be 3:00 PM Monday in the funeral home chapel with Ministers, Blake Patterson and Terry Barker officiating with burial to follow in the Fall Creek Cemetery with Trevor John, Trey Doll, Jay and Eric Birdwell, Rick Layne and Mike Magouirk serving as Pallbearers; honorary pall bearer his “Little Honey” Tavin Birdwell. Visitation: 3:00 PM – 10:00 PM Sunday at Layne Funeral Home, Palmer, Tennessee. www.laynefuneralhome.com