Jerry Lee Bird, 83, of Corbin, passed away on Sunday, July 16, 2017 at Corbin Baptist Health in Corbin.
He was the son of the late Rubin and Bonnie (Jervis) Bird.
Born to them on February 3, 1934 in Corbin.
Mr. Bird was preceded in death by his wife Nancy Katherine Bird, his parents, one sister: Shirley Jenkins Hall, and two brothers: Calvin Bird and Billy Bird.
Jerry was a High School graduate of Corbin High School, and a retired All-American basketball player for the University of Kentucky, his jersey #22 is retired and hanging at Rupp Arena.
He was selected by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1956 NBA draft, he was picked 18th overall in Round 3. He played for the New York Knicks 1958 and 1959 in the NBA for 11 games.
He was a former factory worker for American Greetings where he was a Personnel Director, was a Mason and was a member of Central Baptist Church in Corbin.
He is survived by one son; Stephen Bird and wife Lisa of Herchel, FL; sister, Nancy Carroll Rudy of Corbin; brother, Roger Bird and wife Sally of Henderson; two grandchildren, Stephen Ryan Bird and Madison Katherine Bird; and a host of other relatives and friends to mourn his passing.
Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the hour of service at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 22, at Central Baptist Church in Corbin with Rev. Johnny Jervis officiating.
O’Neil-Lawson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.oneilfh.com.
