SCIO, Ohio — Wilbur “Bill” Birney, 69, of Jewett, Ohio, died October 31, 2013, from injuries sustained in a semi-truck accident.
A lifelong resident of Harrison County, Mr. Birney was born October 10, 1944, in Archer Township, the son of the late Carl H. and Doris E. Bargar Birney.
A 1962 graduate of Jewett High School, he served in the U.S. Army.
Mr. Birney was president of C.H. Birney Farms since its incorporation in 1976. He also worked for Virginia Beef Corporation, Y&O Coal Company, and the Scio Pottery.
He was currently serving his 45th year as an adviser for the New Rumley 4-H Club. He also served on the Harrison County 4-H Committee and Harrison County Livestock Sale Committee. He was also serving his eighth year as a county committee member for the USDA’s Farm Service Agency.
He is a former state director for the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, a supervisor for the Harrison County SWCD, a member of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and Ohio Cattlemen’s Association.
He is survived by his wife, Barbara Stevens Birney, whom he married Nov. 20, 1976; sons Todd Birney of Virginia Beach, Va.; and Billy Birney of Carrollton; and daughter, Jennifer Ryder of Jewett; five grandchildren; sister-in-law Mary Wade of Elizabethtown, Ky.; a brother, John Birney of Jewett; sisters Doris Burton of Jewett and Joyce Richards of Scio; and several nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were brothers Carl A. and Thomas Birney, and an infant sister Janet.
Services will be held Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 11 a.m. in Koch Funeral Home, Scio, with Pastor Mike Cunningham officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Jewett.
Friends may call Tuesday, Nov. 5, from noon to 2 p.m. and 4-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bill Birney Memorial Scholarship Fund, in care of The Ohio State University Extension, Harrison County 4-H Committee, 538 North Main Street, Suite H, Cadiz, OH 43907.
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