Robert White Birdsong died on Sunday, December 18, 2022, at the age of 92. He was born to Robert Littleberry Birdsong and Helen Beatrice Hitchcock Birdsong in Petersburg, VA, on September 23, 1930. Robert graduated from Petersburg High School. He joined the Navy in 1948 and served as an aviation technician on the aircraft carriers, U.S.S Boxer and the U.S.S. Princeton. Robert then attended Virginia Tech, graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1957. He was employed with Amoco Oil Refinery in Yorktown, VA for 33 years, retiring in 1990 as Superintendent of Engineering. Robert served as a member of the York County Industrial Development Authority from 1982 until 1994.

He started working as a youngster with a morning and evening newspaper route. Robert delivered over 300 newspapers daily and collected twenty-five cents a week on Saturday mornings. He built a woodworking shop and spent hours building furniture for his home and for his children’s homes on weekends. In 1985, he bought and restored a house that was built around 1890 in the Historic District of New Bern, NC. Robert built most of the furniture for a cottage he bought and rented out in the Outer Banks. He always had a project going on in his shop. Robert became an expert car mechanic working many hours to keep the vehicles for his five children in tip-top shape. He also restored a 1966 Ford Mustang. Robert loved the Dallas Cowboys, especially Roger Staubach.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his first wife of 49 years, Janice Martinez Birdsong; his son, Brian Darden Birdsong; and his brother, Raymond Birdsong.

Robert is survived by his wife, Shirley Crockett Birdsong; daughters, Cathy Dutchak (Mike), Stephanie Birdsong, Joan Windmuller (Steve); son, Robert Marc (Trey) Birdsong; stepsons, Philip Crockett (Elizabeth), Craig Crockett (Diane), and David Crockett; grandchildren, Sarah Geroux, Alexander Dutchak, Adam Dutchak, Kelsey Windmuller Ivy (David), and Seth Windmuller; step-granddaughters, Sydney, Caroline, and Catherine Crockett; and two great-grandsons, Elliott, and Cooper Ivy.

The family would like to thank all members of the Riverside Hospice team, especially RN Dannielle and C.N.A. Shanelle for their loving and dedicated care during the last few months.

Robert has requested that no services be held. A celebration of life will take place later.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial gift to the Alzheimer’s Association at www.alz.com, or 1-800-272-3900; or the York County Fire and Life Safety, 301 Goodwin Neck Road, P.O. Box 532, Yorktown, VA 23690.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.