Mr. James Henry “Hook” Birdsong age 79 of Samuel Mountain Road, Rome passed away unexpectedly Wednesday afternoon.
Mr. Birdsong was born September 5, 1930 in Rome, Georgia son of the late William Dorsey Birdsong, Sr. and Inez Williams Birdsong. Mr. Birdsong was owner and president of Southlife Corp., a member of the Million Dollar Round Table and Top of The Table. He was a graduate of Darlington School, attended the University of Georgia and was a veteran of the U. S. Army, having served in the Korean War from 1952 until 1953 with the Corp. of Engineers, obtaining the rank of Sergeant. Mr. Birdsong was an Eagle Scout with Troup 6 and had served as an assistant scout master for many years with Troup 113 from Rome’s First United Methodist Church. Mr. Birdsong was an author and historian having published his book “Land Where Our Fathers Died”, and volunteered with the county school system where he shared his knowledge of Rome and Floyd County. He was an avid sportsman, boater, collector of antique cars and loved to restore old homes. He was a member of the Antique Car Club of Rome and communicant of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Most of all was his love of family; he was a loving husband, father and grand father.
In addition to his parents Mr. Birdsong was preceded in death by a sister, Madeleine Cornell.
Survivors include: his wife, Cherrye M. Birdsong, Rome; son and daughter-in-law, James H. Birdsong, IV (Chris), Rome; two daughters and son-in-law, Elizabeth B. Summer, Rome and Dianne B. Womble (Mickey) Cedartown; six grandchildren, William Birdsong, Morgan Birdsong, Ted Summer, Virginia Summer, Benjamin Womble and Sarah Beth Womble, two brothers, Bill Birdsong, Lindale; and Grover Birdsong, Washington, DC; a number of nieces and nephews also survive.
A funeral mass will be held Monday 11 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church with Father Patrick Kingery and Deacon Stuart Neslin officiating. The family will greet friends following the service with a reception in the parish hall.
Private interment services will follow in the family cemetery.
Pallbearers are ask to meet at St. Mary’s Catholic Church Monday at 10:45 AM and include: William Birdsong, Ted Summer, Benjamin Womble, Jimmy Birdsong, Bill Birdsong, Grover Birdsong, Mickey Womble and Bob Wright.
The family respectfully asked in lieu of flowers that memorial contributions be made to, the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 672648 Marietta, GA 30060, the Northwest GA Council of the Boy Scouts of America, P.O. Box 1422 Rome, GA 30162 and St. Mary’s Catholic Church, 911 North Broad St. Rome, GA 30161.
Join Mr. Birdsong’s family in celebrating his life by visiting www.mem.com to share memories and post tributes.
Daniel’s Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. James Henry “Hook” Birdsong.
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