I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me, the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award me on that day…and not only me but also to all who have longed for His appearing. II Timothy 4:7-8
Worley Edward Birchfield, 66, 128 Rufus Taylor Road, Elizabethton, went to be with the Lord, on Sunday, February 13, 2011 at Wellmont Holston Valley Hospital. He was the son of the late, Ellick and Bonnie Townsend Birchfield and was born in Carter County. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Cecil Birchfield, a nephew, Travis Birchfield and his mother-in-law, Joann Peters.
Mr. Birchfield was a 1964 graduate of Elizabethton High School where made All-State honors in basketball. He was the leading scorer in the Big 7 Conference in 1964. He was inducted into the Elizabethton High School Sports Hall of Fame in 2004. Mr. Birchfield was a veteran of the United States Marine Reserves. He worked as a machinist at PSG and was previously employed by NARC. He attended Stoney Creek Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife of twenty-four years, Linda Birchfield, of the home; eight sisters, Ruby Guinn, (L.D.), Elizabethton; Shirley Smith (Billy Jack), Johnson City; Jeanette Lund (Dave), Elizabethton; Josphine Cagle, (Larry), Bluff City; Judy Davenport, (Donnie), Elizabethton; Joyce Richmond, (George), Elizabethton; Kathy Humphrey, (Wayne), Bristol; Mary Burleson (Paul), Elizabethton; four brothers, L.J. Birchfield, (Linda), Hampton; Jim Birchfield, Elizabethton; Charlie Birchfield, (Pattie), Johnson City; Steve Birchfield, (Dennesa), Elizabethton; his father-in-law, Willard Peters his fiancée, Joy Taylor, both of Elizabethton; a brother-in-law, Steve Williams, (Pauline), Elizabethton; a sister-in-law, Wendy Vines, Elizabethton; a great-niece, Reygan Birchfield, Elizabethton and his favorite cat, Ralphie. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
The funeral service for Mr. Birchfield will be conducted on Tuesday, February 15, 2011 at 7:00 PM in the Tetrick Funeral Home, Chapel of Peace, Elizabethton with Rev. Richard Estep and Rev. Ken Houser officiating. The family will receive friends in the funeral home chapel from 5:00 – 7:00 PM on Tuesday prior to the service or at his residence or at the residence of a sister, Joyce Richmond, 508 Bingham Street at other times.
The graveside service and interment will be conducted on Wednesday, February 16, 2011 at 1:00 PM at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Bill Tetrick, Larry Bowling, Roger Nidiffer, Mark Davenport, Wesley Whaley, Don Whaley, Franklin Birchfield, Butch Andes and Stanley Bailey. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. David Fenner, Harvey Jessee, Roger Childress and Johnny Mills. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the funeral home at Noon on Wednesday to go in procession to the cemetery.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Dr. Jeffrey Summers, Dr. Christopher Matthews, Dr. J. Shanker, and all Mr. Birchfield’s friends and neighbors for all the support given to him and the family during his illness.
Online Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.tetrickfuneralhome.com and signing the guest book or by fax 423 542-9499. Tetrick Funeral Home, Elizabethton is serving the family. Office 423 542-2232, obituary line 543-4917.
