Mr. R.B. Birdow

R.B. Birdow was born on October 7, 1948, in Palestine, Texas, to Mr. Jessie James Smith, Sr. and Ms . Delores Birdow . R.B. is the eldest of his fourteen brothers and sisters.

He received his formal education in the Palestine public school system and graduated from A.M. Story High School in 1967, with an all-star record in track and field .

R.B. served in the United States Army from 1967 – 1970 and was honorably discharged with the rank of private. He also received the National Defense Service Medal – Sharpshooter (Rifle).

He was employed with General Electric (Ingersoll Rand) in 1972 and retired after 45 years of service. During his tenure with the company, he served as IUE-CWA Local 86782 Chief Steward and Plant Chief Steward for over 30 years.

He was known for his love of fishing, political support and awareness and an avid watcher of MSNBC.

R.B. Birdow departed this life on January 22, 2022. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Jessie James Smith, Sr. and Mrs. Delores Akins; daughter, Azima Birdow and brother, Jessie James Smith, Jr.

Those whom R.B. leaves with precious memories:

Daughter:​​Amera Birdow, Dallas

Son:​      ​​Michael Birdow, Tyler

Grandchildren: ​Lailah Birdow (Oklahoma), Melanie Birdow(Fort Worth), Zuri Birdow (Tyler)

Sisters: ​Linda Gaston (Harlingen), Jessie-Marie Sweet (Palestine), Vay Lee Birdow (Seattle), Carolyn Beard (Fort Worth), Paula Akins (Fort Worth)

Brothers: ​R.L. (Linda) Birdow (Tyler), Rolan (Olevia) Smith(Palestine), Gerald Smith (Palestine), Michael Smith (Palestine), Dennis Smith (Palestine), Charles Smith (Palestine), Jeffrey Smith (Arlington)

And a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.