Russell Tiffany Birmingham, Colonel, USAF (Retired)

October 09, 1945 – July 24, 2009

Birmingham, Jr., Col. USAF (Retired) Russell Tiffany October 9, 1945 – July 24, 2009. “Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth… Put out my hand and touched the face of God.”

Preceded in death by his father, Dr. Russell Tiffany Birmingham and mother, Lynn Powell Birmingham, brother, Scott Powell Birmingham. Survived by brothers, Dr. Fred Lynn (Beth) Birmingham and James Dean (Karen) Birmingham; daughter, Kimberly (Joe) Weber and her mother, Mary Birmingham; three grandchildren, Kerry, Alex and Russell Joshua Weber; several nieces and nephews, and his companion of many years, Jo Buckley.

Russell was a distinguished pilot, served two tours in Southeast Asia and was Commander of the 118th Tactical Airlift Wing of the Tennessee National Guard. He leaves behind a number of business associates, fellow pilots and National Guardsmen who will miss his vibrant humor and generosity.

His memory will be celebrated by his many friends at Cross Corner and Bleachers. A Memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2009, in Benton Chapel on the campus of Vanderbilt University, with Rev. Peggy W. Birmingham and Deacon Libba Birmingham officiating. Visitation with the family will be one hour prior to the service. Complimentary parking for family and friends will be provided at Wesley Place Garage, corner of 21st Avenue and Scarritt Place, spaces 52 – 170 will be reserved. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Alive Hospice, 1718 Patterson Street, Nashville, TN 37203. Private Interment Woodlawn Memorial Park. BURNS-SHORT DIRECTORS, (615) 383-1776. www.burns-short.com

Capt. Birmingham was a HH-43F pilot with Det. 6, 38th ARRS in the 1970-time frame.