Our beloved Joel Edward Birdsong, affectionately known as "Rudy", "Byrd" or "Baby", born on July 13, 1948 in St. Louis, Missouri, was called home by the Lord on October 27, 2019.

Son of Luther Will Birdsong and Robbie (Witherspoon) Birdsong, He graduated from Bridgeforth High School in Pulaski, Tennessee where he then went on to attend Tennessee State University.

Joel was enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Military for four years, employed at the Department of Labor for 39 years and retired in 2017 in the city of Gulfport, Mississippi. A lover of life and friend of all, many called him brother.

Committed to many causes throughout his life such as an active civil rights leader and member, he actively played top-ranking roles to organizations such as the NAACP and served on the ECHO Commission Board, which all collectively addressed human and civil rights worldwide.

Joel's primary commitment and unquestionable loyalty were to his Masonic Order. Serving as Past Master at Rectitude Lodge #323, Commander in Chief of Bennett Johnson Consistory #342 where he achieved his 33rd Degree Grand Inspector General, also a member of the Karun Temple #48, and Biloxi Royal Arch Chapter #39, Joel's accolades are many.

He is preceded in death by Luther Will Birdsong (Father), Joel Edward Birdsong Jr. (Son), and Rebecca Birdsong (Sister).

He is survived by his mother Robbie (Witherspoon) Birdsong; brothers Rickey, Michael, Terryon and Christopher Birdsong; his loving companion Angela Watson; his children Cedric Birdsong, Timothy Birdsong, Anthony (Dana) Birdsong, Anitra Crenshaw-Torrence (John), Christina Lady Birdsong (Lamond), seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind Erica Gammage, Allen Payne, Jathan Watson, Cameron Haynes and a host of close loved ones.