Lonnie Eugene Bird

Lonnie Eugene Bird age 63 of Dandridge, TN went to be with the Lord Jesus peacefully at home on November 25, 2022 after a hard-fought battle against the long term effects of cancer radiation.

Lonnie was born to Lee and Pat Bird at Andrews Airforce Base, Maryland on June 12, 1959.  He accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior at a young age and lived his life in line with Christian principles.  He was extremely devoted to Linda Joyce Bird, his wife of 37 years—who was his companion, soulmate, and best friend. Together, they built a strong marriage and raised two daughters, Rebecca Joyce Brimer and Sarah Ann Brynjulson.  Lonnie loved his family and treasured his time with them.

The Bird family enjoyed camping, traveling, bicycling, fishing, and almost anything outdoors. Living on a beautiful farm in Dandridge, they enjoyed campfires, creating beautiful gardens, and their horses.  Lonnie had a great sense of humor and was also a wonderful storyteller. 

Lonnie was nationally known as a master furnituremaker with many published books and articles to his credit.  He was an excellent teacher and duplicated his woodworking skills in the many students who came to the Lonnie Bird School of Fine Woodworking in Dandridge, Tennessee. His woodworking career spanned 45 years and he took great joy in designing and crafting beautiful, high-quality furniture. He was extremely talented; yet very willing to share his knowledge with others.  One of his students summarized the thoughts of many: “Lonnie is a great teacher with tremendous woodworking talent and communication skills, along with a great personality!”

Lonnie is incredibly missed and survived by his wife, Linda Joyce Bird, daughters Rebecca Joyce Brimer and Sarah Ann Brynjulson, sons-in-law David Brimer and Kyle Brynjulson, grandsons Oliver Brimer and Dakota Brynjulson, brothers Geoff Bird and Stephen Bird, and parents Lee and Pat Bird.

A celebration of Lonnie’s life will take place at Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, Tennessee on December 1, 2022 at 1:00 pm. He would like you all to be there!

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Ridin’ High Therapeutic Riding Center (Morristown, TN) or Samaritan’s Purse (Boone, NC).

“Do you not know? Have you not heard?

The Lord is the everlasting God,

    the Creator of the ends of the earth.

He will not grow tired or weary,

    and his understanding no one can fathom.

He gives strength to the weary

    and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow tired and weary,

    and young men stumble and fall;

but those who hope in the Lord

    will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

    they will run and not grow weary,

    they will walk and not be faint.”

Thank you to all of you who have come alongside us during this hard journey and encouraged us in countless ways. Lonnie is now soaring with the Lord on ‘wings like eagles.’

A Celebration of Life Service will be held, Thursday, December 1, 2022, 1:00pm at Farrar Funeral Home Chapel in Jefferson City. The family will receive friends Thursday from 11:30 to 1:00pm prior to the funeral service.  The graveside interment service will be private for the family.  ARRANGEMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME, JEFFERSON CITY, TN