David Birkner Obituary

David Paul Birkner

September 26, 2025

ELIZABETHTON - David Paul Birkner, 82, of Elizabethton, passed away early Friday morning, September 26, 2025, at home, with wife Carol and daughter Jill beside him, into his eternal home with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

In addition to his mother, Wilma Birkner, father, Mike Birkner, and son, David P. Birkner, Jr., he was preceded in death by his sister, Peggy Birkner; maternal grandparents, Jacob and Nellie Ternigan; paternal grandparents, Elizabeth and George Birkner; and a special aunt and uncle, Gracie and Fritz Donatelli; and aunt and uncle, Katherine and Fran Ternigan.

David was born in Passaic, New Jersey in 1943, and the family moved to the Elizabethton area shortly after to begin a ministry with Children's Bible Mission – Camp Tapawingo.

In 1952, at WBEJ radio station, David was a host on a show titled "Big Bill Hale and Little David" a children's program that ran for three years. During that time, David's passion for the sport of football began. He also delivered newspapers for the Elizabethton Star.

David reached an important milestone in his athletic career in 1960. As a senior on the Elizabethton High School Cyclone Football Team, he had been a starter for three years and a player.

David continued his academic and athletic career at Northeast Bible College in New Jersey, where he played football.

David's journey took him to New York, where he worked from 1964 to 1966. In 1967 he returned home to Elizabethton and began officiating baseball as a TSSAA official. His career as an official spanned over 50 years, officiating countless high school, district, regional, and even state-level games in softball and football.

He was involved in community work with the Elizabethton Jaycees and awarded "Spokesman of the Year," and elected vice-president and president during his years of service. He was elected Elizabethton Young Man of The Year in 1976.

David worked for Home Beneficial Life Insurance Company for 33 years and retired in 1999. He went to work for Walmart in Johnson City, in the sporting goods department for 20 years, retiring in 2019.

David became a Christian at a young age and attended Grace Baptist Church in Elizabethton. Over the span of 56 years, he was Sunday School Director for 20 years, did children's sermons every Sunday, and served on the building committee for the new sanctuary.

From 1984 to 1992, David served as treasurer for the Children's Bible Mission in Watauga and was a member of the Board of Directors for seven years.

David was on the Board of Directors for the Elizabethton Boys and Girls Club for 12 years. He coached boys' basketball for six years.

David did volunteer work at the Carter County Jail in the 1970s and 1980s. He ran a store for prisoners' personal items and food. Proceeds were used to buy winter coats, gloves, hats, and bullet proof vests for the entire department.

He remained active in his community and sports officiating. He was secretary/treasurer of Region 1 Football Association for many years and played a key role in founding the Mountain Empire Chapter of the National Football Foundation. He was inducted into the National Football Hall of Fame in 2016 and the Carter County Sports Hall of Fame in 2017.

David was a loving father and husband. He loved his children very much. He is survived by his wife, Carol, and daughter, Jill McKouar; one sister, Lynne Hamilton (Jack); brother, Dan Birkner (Alyce); and several special nieces, nephews and cousins.

A service to celebrate David's life will be conducted at 6:00 PM on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton with Pastor Travis Tyler officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 4:00 – 6:00 PM prior to the funeral service in the chapel.

The graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 AM on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Happy Valley Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be Mark Hamilton, John Hamilton, Michael Birkner, Jon Christian White, David Johnson, and Bobby Dicken. Honorary pallbearers will be the officials with the TSSAA and Jim Hyder, Jack Hamilton, Dan Birkner and Danny Birkner. Everyone will meet at Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton at 10:15 AM on Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery.

The family would like to thank the Carter County Rescue Squad, for their assistance. Also, the many friends and neighbors who called over the past four years, visited, brought food and the many prayers. A special thank you to our Pastor Travis Tyler; and Bill and Phyllis Cline and family; the TSSAA officials for their faithful calls, visits, and love during David's extended illness. Also, a special thank you and appreciation to CY Peters for his contribution and information through his book "Blast From The Past."

Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers may make donations to Camp Ta-Pa-Win-Go Children's Bible Ministries, 111CBM Camp Road, Watauga, TN, 37694 www.cbmcamp.com or to Grace Baptist Church, 1114 Broad Street, Elizabethton, TN, 37643 www.elizabethtongrace.com.

Words of comfort may be shared with the family by visiting our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home of Elizabethton is honored to serve the Birkner family. Office phone: (423) 542-2232.