William Harry Bird Jr. Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

William Harry Bird, Jr. 77, passed away at his home on Thursday, January 21, 2021. The family will receive friends Sunday afternoon, January 24, from 3 until 5 p.m. at Forbis & Dick – Stokesdale, 8320 US 158, Stokesdale. A Guilford County native, Harry was born on February 21, 1943 the son of the late William Harry Bird, Sr. and Dorothy Franklin Bird. He was a 14th Generation Mayflower descendant. On March 28, 1964 he married the love of his life, Martha Ayers. In 1966 he was drafted and served proudly in the US Army. He was deployed to Vietnam in 1967, served until 1972 and thereafter enjoyed a career as a purchasing agent in the auto parts industry. While residents of Greensboro, the family were active members of Hinshaw United Methodist Church. He enjoyed time in the United Methodist Men’s group and served in various capacities, including chaperone for youth group activities. More recently, they have enjoyed being part of a neighborhood Bible Study group that met weekly for fellowship and study. As a teenager, Harry discovered his passion for cars. He remained an avid automobile fan, involved in building engines of various kinds and co-ownership of drag cars and oval track cars. Many weekends were spent at local tracks with his family and lifelong friends. When not at the racetrack, time was spent at their weekend retreat at Belews Lake with family and friends since the late ‘80’s. They enjoyed it so much that the family moved there and made it their permanent residence in 2001. Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Martha; children Michelle Durkee and her husband, James of Kingwood, TX; William H. Bird, III and his wife, Dana of Greensboro; and Jennifer Rotan and her husband, Kenneth of Winston-Salem; 8 grandchildren Mary, Andrew and Annie Durkee, Mattie and Aidan Bird, Kristina, Katherine and Jackson Rotan; great-grandson Kacey Schuhen; finally, “Marty Mae”, his faithful canine companion of 14 years. He was preceded in death by his only sibling, Leslie Grace Bird. A charity Harry enjoyed supporting was the Make-A-Wish Foundation. If desired, memorials may be made to them at Make-A-Wish Central & Western North Carolina, Triad Office, 7025 Albert Pick Road, Suite 104, Greensboro, NC 27409. You are invited to share memories or offer condolences at www.forbisanddick.com.

William Harry Bird Jr.

February 21, 1943 - January 21, 2021