Mr. Raymond “Birdog” Bridwell, age 85, Jonesborough, passed away Friday, October 3, 2025, at James H. Quillen VA Medical Center.
Mr. Bridwell was born May 22, 1940, in Kingsport, Tennessee, to the late Neal & Mary Gladys Franklin Bridwell. He was preceded in death by a son, James David Bridwell.
He was a member of Jonesborough United Methodist Church.
Mr. Bridwell was a United States Air Force Veteran.
He retired from Eastman Chemical Company. He was a former member of the Jonesborough Civitan Club.
Survivors include his wife, Janet Sue Leonhardt Bridwell, Jonesborough; two daughters, Melissa Graham (Michael) Johnson City and Pamela Brummit, Church Hill, TN; one son, Robert Bridwell, Elizabethton; grandson, Alex “Tadpole” Graham.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3:00 PM Wednesday, October 8, 2025, at Jonesborough United Methodist Church with Rev. Richie Hayes officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00-3:00 PM on Wednesday prior to the service.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Thursday, October 9, 2025, at Mountain Home National Cemetery. Friends and family are asked to meet at the funeral home by 10:00 AM, to go in procession to the cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.dillow-taylor.com
Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, TN 423-753-3821
Raymond and I served in the Civitan Club together about a decade or so ago. I referred to him as "The Cakeman"! I always enjoyed interacting with Raymond and sharing a laugh. My condolences to the family and please know that I am praying for your comfort during this time.
Janet I'm so sorry for your loss!! Mr Bridwell was not only my patient but he was one of a kind friend! I will forever cherish my pictures he drew for me!!! I look at them everyday here at my work desk! I'm praying so hard for you and your family!! He is rejoicing in heaven with the angels and he is waiting for you!! Take care my friend!
To Janet and Raymond is extended family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. We talked often by phone and he always seemed "upbeat" to me. Whether you knew him as "Cake Man" or "Birdog", I simply like to remember him as " My Friend". Rest in Peace my Brother.
I’m so sorry Jan. I am so thankful to have met Raymond thru MyRideTN. We mostly shared stories about our experiences serving in the Air Force. His sense of humor was evident even on the days he wasn’t feeling the best. You took excellent care of him and I pray you can find some comfort knowing Raymond is no longer suffering here and is pain free now. God bless you.
10/06/2025
Pastor Michael Lester
Our love to Janet and to Raymond’s family. Janet, you took such good care of Raymond during so many difficult days.
Raymond’s singing, baking cookies and cakes, and humor were offered in service to the Lord. It was our great pleasure to know him and serve as his Pastor. The Jonesborough UMC has another member in the heavenly choir!
Pastor Michael & Nancy Lester
