Richard Lee "Dick" Bird

He was born February 23, 1935 in Paris, AR and was the son of Leslie Bird and Irene Carroll Bird Ellington. He was a member of the National Horseman’s Benevolent and Protective Association. His love of sports began at an early age. He was a 4-sport letterman at North Little Rock High School, where he excelled at each position he played. He began his career early in the bread business where he moved up quickly through the Wonder Bread/Hostess Cake Company. He continued his passion for the food industry by joining Sysco Foods, where he was a top salesperson. He and his wife Gayle bought the Town House Restaurant in 1988 and continue to operate it today. After retiring from Sysco, he got to live out his dream of being a thoroughbred racehorse owner. He had several winning horses over his 20 plus year horse racing career. He was a father figure to many people. He took grandchildren, nieces and nephews into his home and treated them like his own children. He mentored many people in his career as well. He will forever be known as everyone’s “Paw Paw”.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bill Bird; sister, Bobbye Kay Ellington; son, Craig Edward Bird; great granddaughter, Sierra Berry; and a special nephew, Shane Barron.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Gayle Bird of El Dorado; two sons, Richard Bird (Teresa) of Jacksonville, AR and Mike Bird (Glenda) of El Dorado; three daughters, Rhonda Henderson (Robert) of Memphis, TN, Brenda Kellogg of Little Rock and Robin Buchanan (Adam) of El Dorado, many loved grandchildren, great grandchildren and great, great grandchildren and a host of nephews and nieces.

A Gathering will be 2:00–4:00 p.m., Saturday, September 17, 2016 at Young’s Funeral Directors Chapel.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, TN 38105, Humane Society, 1400 16th Street NW, Suite 360, Washington DC 20036 or Union County Relay for Life, 3040 Haynesville Hwy., El Dorado, AR 71730.