Willis Neal (Bill) Birdwell, 84, of Dimmitt, passed away on June 17, 2011 in Dimmitt. Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, June 21, 2011 in the First United Methodist Church in Dimmitt at 10:30AM with Derrel Evins officiating. Graveside Service will follow in Roscoe Cemetery in Roscoe, TX at 4:30PM under the direction of Colonial Funeral Home of Dimmitt. Bill was born on Sept. 12, 1926 to J.M. "Buddy" Birdwell and Mayme Birdwell in Dimmitt. Bill grew up in Dimmitt and graduated from Dimmitt High School in 1944. He was an All-State basketball player in 1944 for Dimmitt. He served in the Navy during WWII in San Diego, CA from 1944 t to 1946. He graduated from West Texas State University in Canyon and coached and taught school in Lockney, TX for 2 years. He married Kathryn Sue Norris on July 4, 1954 in Lockney. In 1956 he became the bookkeeper for North Gin and later became gin manager until his retirement in 1989. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, member of the Wesleyan Sunday School Class and of the Men's Prayer Group. He is survived by 1 son, Jim Birdwell of Sikeston, Missouri, 1 brother Kent Birdwell and wife Mary Joe of Dimmitt, 1 sister Bobby Dodd of Burleson, TX and 2 grandchildren, Courtney Hannah Birdwell and Elias Grady Birdwell. Memorials may be made to your favorite charity.