Richard Bird

Rev. The Rev. Richard Bird, 76, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012.Mr. Bird is a veteran of the United States Air Force.Richard was a pastor of churches in Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee for over 50 years. He also taught school and administrated in two Christian Schools. He presently served as an adult Bible teacher at New Grace Baptist Church in Soddy-Daisy. He loved the Word of God and proclaimed it for many years.He was preceded in death by his father, Cecil E. Bird; mother, Itha Bird; and sister, Delores Roberts.He is survived by his wife, Lynda Bird of 51 years; two sons, Steven (Wanda) Bird, David (Emily) Bird; and one daughter, Lisa (Lynn) Carroll; brother, Eddie Bird; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandson.The family will receive friends for visitation from 4 to 8 p.m. today, Nov. 29, 2012, at the funeral home.A Celebration of Life will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, 2012 at the funeral home chapel with Brother Lynn Carroll and Brother Dwight Martin officiating.Interment will follow at Hamilton Memorial Gardens Cemetery with full Military Honors.In lieu of flowers donations may be sent in his honor to Harbor Evangelism Intl Missions, P.O. Box 392, Apison, TN 37302 designated for the Mongolia Ministry.Visit www.hamiltonfuneraloptions.com to share words of condolences and view the memorial tribute.Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike. 423-531-3975.