Mr. Robert Cushing "Bob" Birdwell's Obituary
Robert Cushing Birdwell (Bob) died early Thursday morning, September 18, 2014. He was born in Palo Alto, California on December 6, 1957, the third of three sons to Carl (Tex) Birdwell, jr. from Stephenville, TX and Jean Mary (Hadley) Birdwell from Coronado, CA. Bob was also known as “The Car Whisperer”, a man capable of repairing even the most auspicious of car repairs.
Bob competed high school at the Harry Lundberg School of Seamanship, Piney Point, MD. He then became a member of the Seafarers International Union and traveled the world as a ships cook and mechanic. Bob sort of settled into Cannon County, TN staying with his parents and sometimes shipping out of New Orleans for work. There in Cannon County he met Debra Kirk and they later married. Bob, in his quest for further his education briefly attended Oklahoma City Community College to study aviation mechanics. The grant financing was not complete and Bob returned to Tennessee later to continue his education at Nashville Auto and Diesel College. Upon completion, he returned to Cannon County to work at the Ford dealership in Woodbury. He also worked a number of other automotive enterprises in the area.
Bob and Debra raised their three children in Bradyville, TN not far from the Last Shot Farm of Carl and Jean Birdwell.
Bob later enrolled at ITT Technical Institute to study computer technology. Upon graduation with honors, he went to work for Northern Telecom as the lead technician in repair operations. It was there that he met Barbara Ratcliff. Bob was divorced at the time, fell in love with Barbara and they were married in Marshall, IN and settled in Nashville.
Bob was a talented musician playing the viola, guitar, and even the cello if available. He had played in a few praise bands as well as numerous jam sessions in the automotive studio out back of the house. When stumped with a technical problem on a customer’s vehicle, he may have been prone to pull out the viola and play music over the car while he contemplated a solution.
Bob inherited a love of aviation from his father. Through hard study, he acquired his general aviation certification in single engine aircraft. Besides flying around the Tennessee area, He and Barbara sometimes toured the south enjoying the views from aloft.
Bob fought the hard fight for sobriety in his life. His gift was to use his infectious sense humor to be an ambassador of servitude. Along with technical ability, friendly smile and eccentric jokes, he taught practical mechanics from his shop, assisted others with their car problems, and sought to brighten up their day with a casual blessing. Volunteering at Discovery Place each week was just another part of is give back as he worked his program. Best of all, according to those who knew him; he was just a “Bob”, fun-loving, God fearing, generous Hippie living amongst us.
Bob is survived by wife, Barbara E. (Ratcliff) Birdwell for 20 wonderful years of marriage. Children: Ian A. Kirk (Brandy), Brianna A. Birdwell (Nic), Jeremy C. Birdwell (Dr. Leah Heyman-Birdwell), and Rahul Jimwal. Grandchildren: Brooklyn and Morgan Kirk, Carter Birdwell, Caleb James, Joshua and Daniel Heyman. Brothers Scott Birdwell (Deidra Batey) and Hugh Birdwell. Nephew: William Birdwell.
Bob is preceded in death by his former wife Debra (Kirk) Birdwell, father, Captain Carl Birdwell, Jr., US Navy retired, and mother Jean Mary Birdwell.
A Celebration of Bob's life will be held on Tuesday, September 23rd at 2:00 P.M. from the Chapel of Spring Hill Funeral Home. Visitation with the family will be on Monday, September 22nd from 4-8 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations for “Bob Birdwell” to: Discovery Place, 1635 Spencer Mill Road Burns, TN 37029.
Arrangements Entrusted To: Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville (615) 865-1101 www.springhillfh.com
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