James Edward Bird

Graveside service for James Edward “Thunderbird” Bird, 74, of Rio Vista will be conducted at 2:00 P.M., Friday, Dec. 9, 2016 at Greenacres Memorial Park. Visitation will be from 6-8:00 P.M., Thursday, at Crosier-Pearson Cleburne Funeral Home. James Edward Bird passed away Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2016 in Cleburne. He was born Oct. 26, 1942 in San Marcos to James Thomas and Martha Emiline Felts Bird. Mr. Bird served in the United States Army and worked as a crane operator with over 30 years of service at Chaparral Steel. He was of the Christian faith. Survivors include his spouse, Susan Echols of Rio Vista; children, Clifford Crowe and wife Kathy of Arkansas and Tony Bird and wife Glenda of Cleburne; grandchildren, Noland, William, Christopher, Taylor and Dale; several great grandchildren; siblings, Beverly Hurtt, Almalyn Hunter, Phillip Bird and Nancy Rice; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends who will miss him greatly. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Tincy Bird; sister, Martha Parsons; and one brother, David Bird.