Obituary of Elroy Alvin Birdsong

Obituary of Elroy Birdsong On February 1, 1970, twenty-four prospective brothers were initiated into the bonds of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. The ET chapter was Theta Theta, established under the leadership of Dennis Dyce, president and Elroy Birdsong, vice president. – Excerpt from the Locust Yearbook – Page 172 Elroy Alvin Birdsong would go on to experience many start-ups and leadership positions throughout his life. After graduating from East Texas State University, now known as Texas A&M at Commerce, he pursued many different paths of success. He used his degree in Personnel Management and Economics to establish a personal and private goal of identifying and starting new business ventures (six) while simultaneously working full time. The first full time job out of the university was working for 7-11 as the sole operator in the store. He was robbed one day after about a year on the job. He told the robber, "take whatever you want." He then asked, "what kind of cigarettes do you smoke? I'll get them for you." He quit that job after he was found and released from the cold locked storage room. The next ten years with Hunt-Wesson Foods brought tremendous growth and opportunity. Elroy earned Salesman of the Year three times and set records for the largest orders ever from customers like Tom Thumb and Kroger. Elroy developed a passion for greyhounds after visiting a dog track in Denver, Colorado. He began breeding and racing greyhounds. At one point, 32 of his greyhounds were running on major tracks around the United States. He developed a custom diet for his dogs, which consisted of Hunt's tomato sauce, horse meat, garlic and Wesson oil. Pass Me Not was the name of his all-time winner. She had a knack for coming from behind and winning, which made for a thrilling finish. With a true entrepreneurial spirit, Elroy opened his own company, Gleam Building Services, employing six full-time and two part-time employees. Gleam provided janitorial services for Continental Electronics Mfg. Co. and Frito-Lay. He operated vending services at three locations, washed installation vehicles for Southwestern Bell, and provided a daily, filled to capacity, 15 passenger van to Louisiana Downs in Shreveport, Louisiana. "The Daily Racing Form" is a widely read publication and non-negotiable tool used by fans of horse racing and pari-mutuel betting. Inside those pages was Elroy's second passion, handicapping horse races. He provided a daily tip sheet to his clientele riding the van. One of his most supportive believers in his picks was Jack Evans, CEO of Tom Thumb Corporation. Elroy landed his dream job late in his career and it was his last paid position. He started working in sales at Lone Star Racing Park in Grand Prairie. There he was able to focus on his handicapping. The family hopes no one purchasing his tip sheet holds that against him. Elroy was born on February 5, 1949, to Fluis Birdsong, a builder of churches and homes, and to Vinola Birdsong, a teacher of 46 years and church organist for Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, built by his father in Linden, Texas. Both of his parents preceded him in death. He graduated as valedictorian of his high school, and arrived in 1967 at ETSU, in the fastest car on the yard, a 1967 blue Camaro. He didn't however, have the only fast car in his family. Troy, his only brother and sibling, was attending college at Prairie View A&M, with a yellow Dodge Charger, and yes it was the baddest and fastest car on the yard. Elroy's greatest triumph was as a father and grandfather. He imagined and wanted a child very early in his marriage, but ten years elapsed prior to the birth of his only child, Kimberly Diane Birdsong. There he built a bond and love with Kim that never diminished. The title of "PaPa" validated and affirmed his love for Summer and Braelen Birdsong. Two days before his passing, Braelen reflected on his ride home about his grandfather. "He was my friend, and he helped me build things." A knack for construction was passed down from his father. The hope and anticipation of meeting his third grandchild sustained and lengthened the time we had with him as he battled the final eight months. If you're wondering why this is such a long story about the life of Elroy Birdsong, the family feels you should know about the dash between February 5, 1949 – June 13, 2014. We know what that little line is worth. Elroy leaves to cherish his memories, his brother, Troy Birdsong (Rosie); daughter, Kimberly Birdsong; granddaughter, Summer Birdsong; grandson, Braelen Birdsong; loving friend and ex, Diana Birdsong; uncle, Norman Allen (Melva); nephew, Dr. George Birdsong; nieces, Becky and Sonia Birdsong; best friend and cousin, T.J. Warren; life-long friend, O.C. Blackwell; next door neighbor, Odell; friend and cousin, Larry Allen; faithful cousin, Myrth; and a host of family, friends and co-workers.