William "Bill" Birnie, Jr. departed this mortal realm on October 2, 2026 at the age of 89 following a brief illness. He was born in Brattleboro, VT and grew up in the Stowe and Morrisville region of VT. Although Bill's intended military career was truncated by injuries in the Navy and the Army, he treasured his membership in the "brotherhood." He subsequently earned a BA degree at the University of Vermont With his wife and son, he moved to NH, WV, VA and, finally, SC. His work history was widely varied until he retired to an unimproved patch of heaven in Huger, SC. He spent the remainder of his life carving out a homestead called Crescent Oak Farm where he grew a variety of vegetables, raised chickens, and delivered the products of his labors to customers who knew him as "Farmer Bill." He was a follower of Christ and a seeker of Scriptural truth.

He is survived by his wife of 55 years Shelley Connor Birnie, his son lan, daughter-in-law Katherine and granddaughter Elizabeth. He was predeceased by his mother Ruby Monteith Birnie McKee, his father William Birnie, Sr., and his stepfather Lyman McKee.

A service will full military honors will be held on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at Beaufort National Cemetery in Beaufort, South Carolina. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Other Side Ministries, 101 Marmet Court, Summerville, SC 29485. 

Arrangements are by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Mount Pleasant Chapel. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.