Obituary of William J. Birdsall

CANISTEO: William J. “Billy Joe” Birdsall, 59, of Purdy Creek Rd. passed away Sunday afternoon June 6, 2021 at St. James Hospital after being stricken at home. Billy Joe was born August 18, 1961 in North Hornell to the late William and Neva (Mitchell) Birdsall. On October 12, 1985 in Canisteo, he married the former Laurie Houghtaling who survives and resides in Canisteo. He was a life-long resident of Canisteo and graduate of Canisteo Central School class of 1979 and had been employed at Strobels International in Hornell in shipping and receiving and had also worked at Alstom. Billy Joe was an avid racecar driver at Woodhull Raceway where he won the track championship in the front wheel drive division in 2011. He was also a fan of the New York Yankees, Buffalo Bills and Syracuse Orange Men’s Basketball. In addition to his wife Laurie, Billy Joe is survived by two sons Joseph (Amanda) Birdsall of Canisteo and Brandon (Danielle Wheaton) Birdsall of Lindley and five grandchildren, Brayden, Bentley, Cora, Waylon and Chloe. He is also survived by three sisters, Kay (Timothy) Martin of Andover, Connie (Denny) Wyant of Wellsville and Judy (Larry) Lockwood of Arkport, his mother-in-law Jean Houghtaling of Canisteo, sisters-in-law Barbara Birdsall of North Hornell, Linda (Craig Early) Houghtaling of Chemung, Leslie (Dennis) Cotton of Canisteo and uncle Tom Birdsall of Canisteo, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother James Birdsall and father-in-law Dale Houghtaling. At Billy Joe's request there will be no calling hours or funeral service. A celebration of life will be planned for a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to the donor’s choice.