Jerry Lynn Bird

Jerry L. Bird went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on June 8,2020 after a short but ferocious battle with Glioblastoma – an agressive and uncurable brain tumor.   He knew these facts but was determined to fight to show his children and grandchildren the meaning of courage, grace, and peace amidst the turmoils of life.   He was 73 years of age. 

He is survived by his wife, Karen Lawler Bird;  daughter, Julie Bird Simmonds and her husband Andrew; son, Jason Lyndon Bird and his wife Amanda;  three grandsons, Jackson, Jonah, and Jacob;  sibling, Eldon Leon Bird and his wife Pat Watson Bird; sibling, Lisa LaRue Bird Farmer and her husband Britt Farmer;  many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

He was precided in death by his parents Hugh Leon Bird and Billie LeRue Harbour Bird

Born in Hayward, California on February 23, 1947, his parents brought him to Texas as fast as they could in 1948.  He grew up in the Haltom City area of Tarrant County and attended Birdville ISD schools through elementary and middle schools and graduated from Haltom High School in 1965.   He started college at Fort Worth Christian College in North Richland Hills, but only attended one semister after discovering he would be drafted for service during the Vietnam era.    He joined the Army in March, 1966, for a three year commitment, trained at Fort Polk, LA, and was sent to Baumholder, Germany with his unit.   He spent his entire service time in Germany, only 1 of 2 from his unit that did not go to Vietnam.  

At an early age, Jerry displayed his desire to work and at 13 became a paperboy for the Fort Worth Press. The next year he applied for the Fort Worth Star Telegram paperboy circuit and worked there until he entered the service.   After the service, he worked for the Lenox Air Conditioning Company and then for General Dynamics.  

Jerry was an avid bowler since 14 years of age.   He was very good, a semi-pro level bowler carrying a near 200 for many years.   After coming back from the service, he met his future wife, Karen Lawler at Meadowbrook Bowl while she was bowling in a Youth Traveling League.  They became engaged on 02/21/1970 and married on 8/22/1970.   They have two beautiful children, Julie born in 1973 and Jason born in 1976.  They would have been married 50 years this coming August.   Karen often states when people comment on their longevity, “Yes we are married 49 years ---- 40 years of them happily”.   They both knew that commitment was key, but it was their commitment to God’s plan that held them together when things were a little rocky. 

He enjoyed fishing, bowling, sports, as well as a roll around the craps table once a year in Las Vegas.   His favorite teams were the Texas Longhorns and the Dallas Cowboys, but he especially enjoyed watching the Red Zone every Sunday to keep up with his Fantasy Football picks.   He also love his Haltom Classmates, which reunited when FaceBook became the social media craze.   He organized BBQ meetings and social gatherings twice a year and one year arranged a Carnival Cruise, which was well attended.  

In 1973, Jerry went to work as a grocery store manager for Karen’s uncle, who owned TJ’s Grocery.  After TJ sold his stores in 1987, he remained in the grocery business until retirement, working for Affiliated Food Stores, Minyards, Carnival and Kroger.   He loved the social aspect of working and made friends not only with staff but also with the customers.   Everyone loved Jerry who met him.   He was fun, interesting and had a boatload of stories to tell.  

Jerry often said, “It’s not what you know, but who you know.”  Jerry knew that Jesus was the Son of God and had guided and directed his life till the very end.  His heart and mind were at Peace, Perfect Peace.  

In leau of flowers, please consider donating to the GoFundMe “Remembering Jerry L Bird” which will help Karen with the considerable medical bills left in the wake of this aweful diease and funeral expenses.   Alternatively, you may donate to one of our favorite charities: WhenWeLove.Org - helping the homeless in Fort Worth, TX OR NewDayService.org - Helping to reunite father and mothers to their children removed by child welfare.

GO FUND ME PAGE: 

https://www.gofundme.com/f/remembering-jerry-l-bird?utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=customer&utm_campaign=p_lico+share-sheet