A Walk Through the Life of Doc Birdwhistell

(1946-2014)

Shine On!

Jack was born May 31, 1946

He was quite the character

and already had that easy smile.

He grew up in Lawrenceburg

Where he tried many, many things

Jack grew up quickly

As his brothers can tell you

Most Likely to Succeed in HS

He was a popular boy at G-Town

And the next year, a popular man!

Then came flowers, a ring, Ph.D.

And in 1976, Cory; in 1979, Dan

Fatherhood came naturally to him

As did being a small town minister

In 1980, he returned to G-town

And became Doc, Campus Minister

He took his kids on adventures

He was proud; they were thankful

Back on campus, he encouraged

He provided patient guidance

And joy to all those around him.

And then he encouraged more.

Some days he took in wisdom

And on other days he provided it.

He had the best of friends.

He always had beauty around.

And he took time to enjoy it.

Just like that, his kids grew up

And they took him on adventures.

They would go to the races

And to Shakertown (100+ times)

And they’d explore Kentucky

And go to ball games

And he’d share the things he loved.

On May 23, 2011: A Grandson

He took to that naturally too.

He was babysitter, book giver

He was hand-holder and snuggler

And they had their own language

And with FB, the world opened up

His teaching got a megaphone

And encouraging notes came daily

Shine  On!