Douglas “Mack” Bird, 71 of Hot Springs died peacefully with his family at his side on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at his residence.
Born May 12, 1944 in Mountain Grove, Virginia, he was a son of the late Alden Robert and Mary Margaret (Curry) Bird. He attended Valley High School in Bath County.
Mack was a veteran of the US Army having served during Vietnam War. He was a Garde Manger Cook at The Homestead for 45 years. After retirement Mack worked at Bath County High School for 7 ½ years. He was a lifetime member of the Hot Springs Fire Department and Hot Springs Rescue Squad. He received a Lifetime Achievement Award for Hot Springs Rescue Squad and served as the President of the Hot Springs Fire and Rescue Association for 7 years. Mack attended Healing Springs Baptist church.
Mack was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife of 47 years Myrtle “Pat” Bonner Bird; three children Colonel (retired) Timothy Hodge and wife Isela of San Antonio, Texas, Tracci Sevy and husband Kevin of Osburn, Idaho and Larry Bird and wife Patricia of Millboro, Virginia; 7 grandchildren, Abril Hodge, Christopher Hodge, Benjamin Hodge, Jessica Hahn, Stephanie Witchger, Jaime Beede, James Statham; 9 great grandchildren; 6 sisters Polly Chestnut of Mountain Grove, Virginia, Aldene Fry, Betty Harold, Peggy Smith and Carol Martin of Hot Springs, Virginia, Phyllis Livesay of Lewisburg, West Virginia; 6 brothers, Robert “Jim” Bird of Las Vegas, Nevada, Pete Bird of Lancaster, Ohio, Benjamin Bird of Arlington, Virginia, Richard Bird of Hot Springs, Dwight Bird of Orlando, Florida, and Danny Bird of Covington, Virginia; numerous nieces and nephews; and a special friend Cara Major. Mack was proceeded in death by two sisters Joyce Polane and Libby Hopkins.
A celebration of life will be held 2pm Sunday, June 7th at Hot Springs Fire and Rescue Building in Hot Springs with Master of Ceremonies Russell Woodzell. Full Military Honors will be provided by VFW Post 1033 Curtis A. Smith Honor Guard.
Memorial contributions may be made to Hot Springs Fire and Rescue Association at PO Box N, Hot Springs, VA 24445 or The ALS Association, Gift Processing Center, P.O. Box 6051, Albert Lea, MN 56007 or a charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.mclaughlinandyoung.com.
Patsy, so sorry to hear about Mack. Hope you’re doing ok – miss seeing all the Healing Springs folk! Hugs to you.
Your family are in our thoughts and prayers. With deepest sympathy, Columbus Shifflett and family
So sorry to hear about Mac. I remember all the fun times we all had and you and the family are in my prayers
So sorry to hear about Mack, I really enjoyed working with him and his friendship during my time at the Homestead. Mack was special and I have nothing but respect for him. I hope you are doing well Pat, my prayers and condolences for you and your family!