Ray Bird, 88, of Wallins went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, August 26, 2021, at his residence with his family by his side. Born December 30, 1932 in Harlan County, Ray retired from the U.S. Air Force as a Master Sergeant after 22 years in the communications squadron. He traveled throughout Germany, Iceland to the Azores, and many of the United States in between with five children in tow whenever possible. He managed the NCO Club in Alaska during his off time. He always sponsored younger men in the Air Force, bringing them home for dinner and hauling them ice fishing in Michigan or deep sea fishing in the Azores. He was respected by all who met him. Ray stayed active after his retirement from the military managing the Sears in Whitesburg before retiring from there after 18 years. Ray was on the Board at Pine Mountain Settlement School where he attended as a boy and graduated from in 1949. A member of the Wallins Church of God, he was active in the church helping with building projects and outreach, Ray helped many people over the years taking them to doctor appointments and getting groceries for them. Ray loved his grandchildren and they loved their Pap.
He was preceded by his parents, Cephus Bird and Nollie Garrison Bird; two children, Robert Bird and Doug Bird; several brothers and sisters, Gertie, Viola, Buster, Cleophus, Thomas, Shelby, Charlie, Effie, Lorene, Clara, Fred, Mildred, Mary Ruth, Ted, Wyvonne and Joe Bird.
Ray is survived by his wife, Sharon Elizabeth Calloway Bird, Wallins; three children, Amelia Templeton and husband, Jeff, Texas; Mitchell Bird and wife, Michelle, Memphis, TN; Gary Bird and wife, Melody, Perryville, KY; three step-children, Renee Blanton and husband, Deron, Wallins; Angie Boggs and husband, Jered, Wallins; and Donnie Haywood and wife, Maggie, Bledsoe, KY; two daughters-in-law, Melody Bird, Perryville, KY and Sue Bird, Cumberland. Also surviving are 14 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a host of special friends and hunting buddies.
Visitation will be from 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday, August 29, 2021, in the chapel of the Harlan Funeral Home with funeral services starting at 3 p.m. with the Reverend Buddy Simpson officiating.
Burial will be in the Monte Vista Cemetery at Cumberland with military rites by the Harlan Honor Guard. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Harlan Funeral Home is in charge of his arrangements.