Thomas Ozbirn

FLORENCE, Ala. -- Thomas Washburn Ozbirn, 86, of Florence died Sunday, April 17, 2011, at Fair Haven Retirement Community in Birmingham, Ala.

Wash was preceded in death by his parents, William Harlie and Lina Richeson Ozbirn; twin brother, William Isaac Ozbirn; and a sister, Sara Wilson Smith.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Gayle VanCleve Ozbirn of Florence; a son, Thomas Washburn Ozbirn Jr. and wife Michelle of Birmingham; two daughters, Monica Ozbirn Waldon of Cape Girardeau, Paula Gayle Ozbirn of Birmingham; three grandchildren, Paul Thomas Ozbirn, James Stratt Byers IV and Harlie VanCleve Waldon.

Wash was born Feb. 16, 1925, in Russellville, Ala.

He served as a bombardier, first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Corps during World War II.

Following the war, he graduated from the University of Alabama with a degree in engineering. He served as the commander of Sigma Nu fraternity while in college.

He was employed by Reynolds Metals Co. 40 years, retiring in 1990. He was an active member of Trinity Episcopal Church.

A memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at Trinity Episcopal Church, with the Revs. Andrew C. Keyse and Rev. Thomas R. Osborne officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church, P.O. Box M, Florence, AL 35631.

Elkins Funeral Home in Florence is assisting the family.