Dean R Bird

CHURCHVILLE — Dean Riley Bird, 58, peacefully joined our Lord and Savior, Friday, August 14, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Born January 22, 1968, in Staunton, he was a son of Charles William, Sr. and Phyllis (Riley) Bird.

In addition to his parents of Churchville, he is survived by daughters Samantha Bird (Cory Sutherland), Danielle Mays (Houston Rohr), Cheyenne Roman Cummins (Jordan), Santana Rathel (Zachary) and Haley Tucker; sister Nichole Cline (Carl); brother Chuck Bird (Autumn); 15 grandchildren; niece Trinity Cline; and nephews Colton Bird and Hunter Cline.

Dean was a 1986 graduate of Buffalo Gap High School. He enjoyed a number of different employments over the years, including truck-driving (CB handle “Squirt”), electrical work with Callison Electric, and operating heavy equipment for Vic Davis Construction. His health challenges forced his early retirement, but he always had a positive attitude and consistently put others before himself.

Dean’s deep faith in the Lord carried him through countless difficult days. His faithfulness, strength, and determination sustained him through a lifelong battle with his health and blessed his family with many, many more years with him than they could have imagined. Through it all, Dean remained steadfast in his faith, trusting in God’s plan for his life.

Until his health declined, one of his favorite hobbies was jousting, and he was recognized as Knight of Churchville. He was deeply patriotic, quite enthusiastic about his truck (Dodge Ram!), and loved spending time with his grandkids, to whom he was “Pops.”

Dean shared an especially close and cherished bond with his grandson, Hayden. Hayden was his rock, his little buddy, his helper, and his constant companion. Their relationship was truly special, and the love and bond they shared brought Dean immeasurable joy.

A celebration of life will be held at 4:00 p.m. on August 30 at the Lighthouse Church, officiated by Pastors Eric Wade and Stephen Henderson.

Bear Funeral Home is serving the family. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at bearfuneralhome.com