Walter Glenn Birdwell, Jr., age 96, of Carthage, TN passed away peacefully at his home on February 21, 2025. His beloved wife of 72 years, Helen, was by his side.
Walter Glenn was born on December 2, 1928 to Catherine Hargis Birdwell and Walter Glenn Birdwell, Sr.
Walter Glenn graduated from Smith County High and Vanderbilt University where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity and a member of the Vanderbilt Wrestling Team. Most importantly at Vanderbilt, he met Helen Walton, whom he married and together they built a wonderful life.
After graduating from VU, he served his country in the United States Army during the Korean War.
Walter Glenn worked with Citizens Bank of Carthage, TN, for 70 years, a bank his father founded with some local investors opening on October 26, 1929, three days before “Black Tuesday”. He served as Chairman of the Board from 1988 until his death. Until one month ago, he continued to arrive at the bank each day for the 7:30AM meeting. He served as a Board Member of the TBA (Tennessee Bankers Association), was a founder and first President of the TBA Young Bankers, and served as President of the TBA Independent Bankers Division.
Walter Glenn served as Chairman of the Smith County Industrial Board, President of the Smith County Chamber of Commerce and President of the Lions Club. He was also a member of the Smith County Help Center, and Smith County Historical Society. Carthage United Methodist Church was an important part of Walter Glenn’s life, and he served in many leadership roles there.
Walter Glenn loved being with his family and friends. He and Helen traveled the world. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved duck hunting, snow skiing, and watersports on Center Hill Lake.
Along with his wife, Helen, he is also survived by their three children, Sue (Jerry) Ishee of Nashville, Walter Glenn “Birdy” (Christie) Birdwell, III, of Sparta, and Ann (Matt) Dobson of Franklin. Grandsons, Matthew H. Dobson, VI, of New York, NY and Walter Birdwell Dobson of Franklin.
Funeral services will be held at Carthage United Methodist Church on Friday, February 28, 2025 at 1PM. Visitation with the family will be in the Fellowship Hall of the Carthage United Methodist Church on Friday from 11AM until service time at 1PM. Interment will follow in the Ridgewood Cemetery.
The family asks that memorial gifts be made to Carthage United Methodist Church.
The family would like to thank Ruby Crawford, Jo Sponaugle, Kathy Hamby and their wonderful team for the devoted care of Walter and Helen.
