Bryant Haden Birdwell, 75, passed away Monday, April 9, 2018, in Nacogdoches, Texas. He was born to Lawrence Birdwell and Wanda Fountain Birdwell on June 29, 1942, at home on Flower Mountain, Nacogdoches County, Texas. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather, better known as Pappy. He was an active member of Trawick Presbyterian Church, and enjoyed visiting Center First United Pentecostal Church with his son, Del, and his family.

Bryant was the owner/operator of Lindy's Grocery in Nacogdoches in the 70's, then a salesman, and later manager of Crim Tobacco Company in Nacogdoches. He worked the last several years of his life for Tejas Paper and Chemical until he retired in 2016. Bryant was a true salesman and never met a stranger.

He grew up working hard, had an "old-time" work ethic, whether on the job or at home, and his word was his bond. He passed all the things he learned or taught himself to his son, Del, and his grandkids. It has been said many times that Bryant could truly "live off the land." One of his very favorite things to do besides being with his family, was gardening, and did he ever know how to grow a bountiful garden! Summer after Summer, he and Edna spent countless hours putting up fresh produce, which they shared with many.

He had such a love for his family, and left his grandkids with wonderful memories such as, making up songs and singing and dancing with them before bed, riding them on his big, red tractor, teaching them his amazing cooking skills and secret recipes, and always reminding them to work hard and do well in whatever they did. He kept friends and family entertained with his story telling and super sense of humor, always had a joke to tell, enjoyed drinking coffee at the Country Kitchen with his lifelong friends, faithfully studied his Bible, and loved going to church.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Edna Shofner Birdwell, of Nacogdoches

Son, Del Birdwell and wife, Joanna Lout Birdwell, of Center

3 Grandchildren: Bethany Lee Birdwell, Brynna Jo Birdwell and Levi Martin Birdwell, all of Center

2 Brothers, Jack Birdwell and wife Joyce of Nacogdoches and Lamar Birdwell and wife Judy of Conroe

3 Sisters, Beth Rogers and husband, Jerry of Athens; Barbara Hicks and husband, David of Dallas and Linda Wade and husband, Stanley of Sacul.

Numerous nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

Pallbearers will be Joe Henderson, Marty Cox, Billy Birdwell, Steve White, Brad Rogers, Blane Wade

Preceded in death by his parents:

Lawrence Birdwell and Wanda Fountain Birdwell

Brothers and Sister:

Joe Birdwell, Bobby Birdwell, Jimmie Birdwell and Betty Birdwell