William Bird Sr.

William Bird Sr., 72, of Cape Girardeau died Sunday, March 27, 2016, at Southeast Hospital.

Dr. Bird was born Feb. 10, 1944, in Tiptonville, Tennessee, to the late Evitt O. and Ella Mildred Bird. He married Rose Mary Lewis Bird on June 28, 1964, and she survives of the home.

Dr. Bird was the pastor of Greater Dimension Ministries Church of God in Christ for over 30 years, and served in the ministry for over 50 years. He retired from the city of Cape Girardeau Public Works Division after 25 years of service. He was a 10-year member of the Cape Girardeau School Board, and president of the board of directors at the Gibson Recovery Center of Cape Girardeau.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by four sons, William Jr. (Margaret Jo), Calvin (Carolyn), Rodney (Tajuana) and Kyle (Joy), all of Cape Girardeau; and one daughter, LaCrissa, of St. Louis; three brothers, Evitt of Houston, Earnest of Cape Girardeau and Benjamin of Jackson; three sisters, Luella Ayers of Jackson, Shirley Nelson of Cape Girardeau and Rose Holly of Woodbridge, Virginia; four grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by one brother, Marblin.

Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday at Greater Dimension Ministries, 723 Hackberry St., Cape Girardeau, with a memorial celebration beginning at 7 p.m. Visitation will continue from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday at the church.

The official funeral service will be at noon Saturday at the church. Bishop R. J. Ward, Jurisdictional Prelate, will officiate. Interment will be at Fairmount Cemetery in Cape Girardeau.

Williams Funeral Home of Charleston, Missouri, is in charge of arrangements.