William Barry Bireley

William Barry Bireley, also known as T-bear, age 52, of St. Helen, passed away Sunday, January 27, 2008 at his home. He was born in Royal Oak and raised in Ferndale. He vacationed in St. Helen his whole life and eventually moved there and lived for over 20 years Mr. Bireley was a member of the Elks Club of Ferndale, the SAL of St. Helen, and the UAW. He was a volunteer firefighter and EMT for the Richfield Township Fire Department. He retired from Delphi/GM after 30 years. During retirement he was a part-time bus driver for the Gerrish Higgins school district. He enjoyed boating, bowling, snowmobiling and visiting with friends. William is survived by his wife Debbie Bireley of St. Helen, children, Mary (Jesse) Cousineau of Jacksonville, FL, Ronald Jacobson of Grand Rapids, and AshLee Bireley of St.Helen, a granddaughter, Isabella Cousineau, his father, Gene Bireley of St. Helen, his mother, Betty (Jack) Cox of Jacksonville, FL, brothers, Blaine Bireley of Madison Heights and Morgan Bireley of Jacksonville, FL , his sister, Robin James of Gilbert, AZ and many loved nieces and nephews. Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Wednesday, January 30, 2008 from 12 -9 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday at the funeral home. Rev. Ken Peterson will officiate with burial following at Fairview Cemetery, St. Helen. Memorial Contributions may be made to St.Jude’s Childrens Hospital.