Alfred Preston "Whitey" Birdwell

November 18, 1918 - May 3, 2020

Alfred Preston "Whitey" Birdwell; 101 years, 5 months, 14 days; from Midway, TX; passed away on May 3, 2020 in Madisonville, TX. A memorial service will be held on Saturday; July 11, 2020 at 2PM at the Midway Church of Christ; 14453 TX-21, Midway, TX 75852. Bro. Dale Underwood will be officiating. Whitey was born on November 18, 1918 in Minden, TX to Frank and Mary Ellen (Morris) Birdwell. He was nicknamed “Cotton” as a child because of his white blonde hair, and later was known to his family and friends as Whitey. Whitey and his wife, Patsy, lived for many years in Midway, TX and lived in Walden Brook in Bryan, TX from 2008-2018 where they had many friends. Whitey's generation has come to be known as "the greatest generation" as this generation survived The Great Depression and served their country in many ways during World War II. He was drafted into The United States Army and served his country during World War II in the 3rd Armored Division where he drove the lead tank which was responsible for protecting the Colonel. Whitey served in France, Belgium, and Germany and was awarded The European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign (EAMEC) Medal, The Good Conduct Medal, The World War II Victory Medal, three Bronze Stars (which were awarded based on heroic and meritorious service in battles), and one Purple Heart (which was awarded due to being wounded in combat). Whitey was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Edith (Husband) Birdwell; his second wife of fifty years, Patsy (Burk) Birdwell; and his children, Jimmy, who died in infancy, Elaine (Birdwell) Duckworth and Edwin Grimes. Whitey is survived by his children, Gail Thomas, Neal Birdwell, Travis Birdwell (D.J.), Linda Collins (Tom), Nelda Hammett, Rhonda Edwards, Paula Mason (Lloyd), Mary Lois Reaves (Ray), Wanda Dorn (Clayton); 18 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, and 9 great great grandchildren - his legacy continues.