Willie "Ray" Birge's Obituary
Willie Raymond Birge, 70 y.o.a., lost his battle to heart disease on November 28, 2017. He was born December 10, 1946 in Tupelo. Mississippi to the Late Willie B. and Vozane Birge. At the age of 6 the family moved to Tacoma, Wash.
Raymond (aka The Kidd) graduated from Stadium High and then went on to explore a brief stint in the Army. While working at West Coast Grocery he began his successful quest to obtain a pilots’ license, ultimately becoming president of a flying club based out of Spanaway Airport. He briefly piloted for Weyerhaeuser and then started Bon Aire, LTD., obtaining some contracts to fly for NOAA. Later he started Green Aero Trucking in Tacoma and was quite successful in that venture.
Raymond is survived by his children, Andre Birge, Christopher Birge, Damion Birge, Adrianne Dawson, Natascha Birge, Michael and Zachary Birge; brother Joe Larry Birge, seven grandchildren; two nieces and a nephew.
Raymond was an avid basketball player and was well known on Hilltop and everybody knew if you could make it at Wright’s Park you were a” Baller”. He never passed up the opportunity to school some rookies on the basketball court. He was well known for his muscle car, the almighty 442, never losing a street race and always aware of the red light and the next competitor. Raymond never went anywhere without his beloved calculator.
In his later years, he enjoyed train rides to California as well as drives up and down the west coast. He loved computers and the ability to Skype and Facebook with his children and grandchildren. He was an avid sci fi aficionado passing down that trait to his kids.
He will be missed and loved greatly. Safe travels to Infinity and Beyond.
What’s your fondest memory of Willie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Willie?
Share a story where Willie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Willie you’ll never forget.
How did Willie make you smile?