William Clifton Birch (1942 - 2021)

Born 30 Sep 1942 in Haynesville, Claiborne, Louisiana, United States

Died 31 Oct 2021 at age 79 in Silvis, Rock Island, Illinois, United States

Problems/Questions Profile manager: Tarah Sipes [send private message]

Biography

Will Birch is a part of US Black heritage.

Will C. Birch, 79, of Rock Island, passed away Sunday, October 31, 2021, at Genesis Medical Center-Illini Campus, Silvis. Funeral services will be 12 p.m. (noon), Saturday, November 6, 2021, at House of Fire Ministries, Embassy Square Mall, 2365 11th St., Rock Island. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021 at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, 3030 7th Ave., Rock Island. Additional visitation will be held one-hour prior to the service at the church. Private burial will be in Chippiannock Cemetery, Rock Island. Memorials may be made to the family.

Will was born on September 30, 1942 in Haynesville, Louisiana, a son of John Lee and Arlillian (Holyfield) Birch. He married Letha Anderson in 1960 in Summerfield, Louisiana. To this union five sons were born: Timothy, Gregory, Will Jr., Steven, and Dwight.

Will worked 61 years in construction as a concrete finisher. In his early years, Will owned and operated an auto body shop and had a fruit stand at local farmer’s markets. He served in various capacities throughout the community from building repairs to giving away the vegetables from his garden. Will also enjoyed bowling, working, and pie baking.

Will was a member of a traveling gospel quartet, The Gospel Imperials. He was a faithful member of New Life Apostolic Church of God in East Moline, Illinois where he served as an Elder. He was also a member of the Board, Vice President of the Brotherhood Auxiliary, drove the church van, was a devoted Sunday School member and faithfully supported the Youth. He also supported the Illinois District Council. Previously, Elder Birch was the Assistant Pastor of Jerusalem Temple in Davenport, Iowa and Brotherhood Chairman of the Greater Tri-State Council. Elder Birch loved people and wanted everybody to be saved.

Will was preceded in death by his parents; and sons, Will Birch, Jr. and Dwight Birch. Those left to cherish Will’s memory include his wife, Letha; children, Timothy (Diane) Birch, Minneapolis, MN, Greg (Laronda) Birch, Moline, IL, Steven (Stephanie) Birch, Carollton, TX, Clifton Hudson, and Knishia Hudson, Davenport, IA; grandchildren, Quineka, Angelica, Foster, Savanna, Tierra, Brenton, Joshua, and Megan; great grandchildren, Christian, Aaliyah, Landon, Theo, Micah, Reina, and Lamar Jr.; special niece, Ciaira Washington; aunts, Callie Mae Hay and Glennie Honey; god-children, Lonnie and Lisa Dixon and Theodore and Jacqueline Fox; and a host of cousins, extended family, and friends.

Sources

• Obituary Program from Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home, Rock Island, Illinois.