Mr. Weston Hampton Birdsong, Jr., 89, of Grenada, passed away Saturday, May 23, 2020 at Baptist Memorial Hospital – North Mississippi in Oxford.  He was born December 2, 1930 in Lambert to W.H., Sr. and Eva Lawrence Birdsong.  He attended school in Lambert and graduated from Lambert High School in 1950.  Upon graduation, Birdsong enlisted in the U.S. Air Force.  He served our nation for four years, being stationed in Tokyo, Japan.  Birdsong saw action in the Korean War.  When he was discharged he had attained the rank of Sergeant.

Once discharged from the U.S. Air Force, Birdsong served as a radio operator for the Mississippi State Highway Patrol.  He was initially assigned to the Greenwood office and then moved to Batesville.  Shortly after that, Birdsong was accepted to and commissioned into the Mississippi State Highway Patrol.  He joined the ranks as a uniformed patrolman in December, 1955.  He was sworn in by Col. T.B. Birdsong, founder of the Mississippi State Highway Patrol, in 1955 on Birdsong's 25 ^th birthday.  Birdsong's first assignment as a patrolman was in Rolling Fork, MS.  Birdsong served in the Mississippi Highway Patrol for 31 years as a Trooper, Sergeant and Lieutenant.  He was trained in Hazardous Materials, Police Management, Supervision and Budgeting, and Human Relations.  After his Rolling Fork assignment, Birdsong was transferred to Grenada, where he remained until his retirement in 1986.

Birdsong received many awards while serving in the Highway Patrol.  The most prestigious award he received was Patrolman of the  Year in 1973.  He was nominated for this award by his peers and the presentation was witnessed by our own Sheriff Jesse Strider.  The award was presented by Governor Bill Waller.  Birdsong was also awarded the Mississippian Award and the Governors' Outstanding Mississippian Award.  March 2, 1973, Birdsong was recognized by the Mississippi Senate and House of Representatives for Outstanding Service to the State of Mississippi.  Patrolman Birdsong risked his life while saving another person injured in an 18-wheeler accident.  Other awards he received include the American Legion Commendation for Outstanding Service to the State of Mississippi, and a commendation for providing security for our nation's First Lady, Rosalyn Carter, wife of President Jimmy Carter, on her visit to our state's First Lady.  In 1987, Birdsong was elected as Sheriff of Grenada County and served two terms.

Birdsong was a faithful member of Elliott Baptist Church.  He was a dedicated member of the Pastor's Sunday School Class.  He was also a former member of the Kiwanis Club of Grenada and the VFW.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, May 27, 2020 at the Elliott Cemetery with Rev. Larry Brinker and Rev. Michael Payton officiating.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until 1:30 PM Wednesday at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service.  No more than 10 visitors will be allowed at any one time during visitation.  The funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 1:45 PM.  Anyone wishing to join the procession to the cemetery is welcome to do so.

Birdsong is survived by his daughter, Beth Birdsong Hood of Mobile, AL; one grandson, Wes Hood of Arlington, TN; one sister, Inez Whitten of Olive Branch and a host of nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 46 years, Sadie Morgan Birdsong; grandson, Franklin Hood; and two sisters, Estelle McCullar Davis and Wilma Sanders.

Pallbearers will be Eric Fowler, Wes Hood, Andrew Little, Clarence McCullar, Matt McGee, Darren Morgan, Jeff Morgan, James Doyle Nail and Louie Nail.  Honorary Pallbearers will be active and retired Patrolman with the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Grenada Sheriff's Department, Charles Davis, Jake Gibbs, Eddie Foshee, Sue Hall, Ann Morgan, Lewis Morgan and Richie Morgan.

The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Dr. Joseph Messina and Sunflower Home Health, especially Nurses Jayla Greer and Kayla McCormick, for the outstanding care that Birdsong has received.

Memorials may be directed to the Elliott Cemetery Fund.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com .

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).

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The directors and staff of McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service prioritize the health and well-being of our associates, family and guests.  We understand this is a fluid and serious situation that we are in today and we are monitoring and evaluating developments of the Corona Virus (COVID-19) on a daily basis.

We believe that supporting one another at a time of loss is very important.  At this time, we are asking everyone to respect a limited gathering policy.   This is a guideline of the CDC and the state board of health.

We do ask that those at risk or those not feeling well stay at home, but reach out to the family via our website at www.mckibbenandguinn.com .  Flowers and expressions of sympathy are still being accepted.

We also ask those who are attending funeral services to follow the CDC recommendations to take the usual steps to help prevent the spread of illness. Social distancing is very important in the control of the spread of this virus.

Thank you for your patience and understanding in this time we are in.  When this crisis is over we will resume our normal procedures and operation.