Douglas S. Bird

Douglas S. Bird, 53, of Chattanooga, died on Monday, October 4, 2021 in Chattanooga. 

Doug was born and raised in Chattanooga. He was a member of Ridgedale Baptist Church for more than 45 years. As a young man there, he was a founding member of the Special Friends group, where he was a faithful member of their Sunday school program and other events and activities throughout the years. Doug attended school, enrichment and development at Orange Grove Center since he was 5 years old, and remained part of the OGC community his entire life. Doug's presence continually brought joy to those around him, with his genuineness, personality and sense of humor. He added so much light to our world with his love of all things purple, his discerning and very specific taste in country music, and the fierce love he had for his family and others who cared for him in his life. 

Doug was preceded in death by his parents, Donald E. Sr. and Erma (Fannin) Bird; his grandparents; and several aunts and uncles.

Survivors include siblings, DeEtte Bird Rievley (David); Donnie Bird (Jane); twin sister, Deborah R. Bird Chase; two nieces, a nephew; a great niece and a great nephew; several aunts, uncles and cousins; and many dear friends. 

The family will receive friends from 4-8pm Wednesday, October 6, at Heritage Funeral Home, East Brainerd Road. A funeral service will be held at noon on Thursday, October 7, in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Doug Plumlee officiating. Interment will follow at Lakewood Memory Gardens, South on October 16 at 11am. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doug’s honor to Orange Grove Center, 615 Derby Street, Chattanooga, TN 37404 or online at orangegrovecenter.org/3.154/in-honor-memory-of-donation-orange-grove-center, and the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at https://www.nationalmssociety.org/donate.

Please visit www.heritagechattanooga.com to share words of comfort or memories of Doug.

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