September 29, 1950 ~ April 13, 2020

Billy W. Birmingham Sr. (Bill), an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and lifelong resident of Kansas City, MO died as a hero by giving his life in the line of duty to the citizens of Kansas City and his fellow first responders at the age of 69 while doing what he loved; which was helping others.

On Friday, September 29, 1950 Billy Wayne Birmingham was the second child of seventeen born from the union of John Daniel Birmingham Sr. and Mary Lee Birmingham (nee Brown) who were originally from Oklahoma. Bill was born at General Hospital No. 2 in Kansas City, Missouri; which was designated for African Americans during those times of segregation. He grew up with eight brothers and eight sisters; (in order of eldest to youngest) John Jr., Dwight, Samara, Ronnie, Diana, Kenny, Craig, Johnetta, Linda, Sheila, Gary, Terry, Lawanda, Brian Keith, Dionne, and Karita. In this household his parents instilled the importance of a strong work ethic, the love of God, and discipleship. Bill went on to earn his General Education Development certificate in his late teens, this was the first of his educational achievements. In 1970, Bill married Delores Y. Steele of KCMO. From this union came four children; Octavia, Sharron, Billy Jr. and Gayla. Later, in 1984 he married Margaret A. Brown of KCMO. Their union produced one offspring, Tiffany. Then in 1995, he married Sharon A. Alford of KCMO, and from this union produced two children, Alexandria and Aretta. In 1997, desiring to serve his fellow man, Bill “reinvented” himself by beginning his efforts to become a trained and licensed EMT. After successfully completing his training he seized the opportunity to work for Metropolitan Ambulance Service Trust (MAST) in 1998. In 2010, MAST transitioned over to the Kansas City Fire Department (KCFD) for which he served another 10 years. Over the course of his 22 year career Bill increased his knowledge, established many bonds with his coworkers, and touched the lives of countless others.

At a young age Bill accepted the call to ministry. On February 28, 1982 Bill received his minister’s license from the Upper Room Compassionate Ministry, KCMO, under his elder brother, Pastor John D. Birmingham Jr.; he was later ordained on August 17, 1986 under the same ministerial leadership. He went on to serve as a minister at a few churches. Seeking to enrich his knowledge of the bible, Bill went on to earn his Master of Theology on May 10, 2003 at the Faith Bible College, Independence, MO. He later returned to that same institution to earn his Doctorate of Pastoral Theology on May 7, 2005.

Dr. Birmingham continued to spread the gospel, and his spiritual journey eventually led him to Hands of Christ Church of Jesus Christ, KCMO under the leadership of Pastor Charles E. Brown. It was here that he met Sister Tandra J. Price and they began their romance in late 2009. This courtship led to their marriage on October 10, 2010 (10/10/10). Biblically 10 is the number of completion, their love flourished for 10 years before Bill was called home. During their marriage Bill and Tandra enjoyed many vacations, fishing, romantic date nights, and celebrations of their children and grandchildren. Bill and Tandra had a genuine love that inspired changes in one another for the better. This union brought Bill the much needed support of a companion in his call to the pastorate.

In the winter of 2012, God placed a burden upon Dr. Bill W. Birmingham Sr., to plant and pastor a church. A church that would be founded and based upon love, God’s unconditional love! The name of the church would be “Agape Love Ministries of Christ Unlimited”. So under the direction and inspiration of the Holy Spirit, Agape Love Ministries of Christ Unlimited was formed. Created by God and recognized by the state of Missouri on the 20th day of March 2013. Pastor Bill along with his devoted wife, First Lady Tandra J. Birmingham,  Mother Mary L. Birmingham, Evangelist Diana Lee (Brown) and Brother Gary Birmingham set out to find a suitable location to worship God and serve God’s people. After much prayer and seeking, they found a location at 10215 East State 350 Highway in Raytown, Missouri. For the purpose at hand, dedication services were held May 17th, 18th, 19th of 2013 with the services being conducted by Pastor Kevin L. Kemper of Hope International Ministries. The distinguished guests were: Pastor Rupert K. Perkins Jr. and the House of Faith Worship Center, Pastor Kevin L. Kemper of Hope International Ministries and Pastor Avery H. Sanders and the Hope & Healing Worship Center. Dr. Bill would pastor Agape Love Ministries of Christ Unlimited for 7 years before his transition. Biblically 7 is recognized as the number of perfection. Pastor Bill Birmingham chose the passage John 13:34-35 as the motto scriptures for his church, and this is how he lived his life with an abundance of love for every person he ever met.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather who would do anything for his family. He loved life, people, and learning. He often traveled with his wife and was known to take his children on sudden roadtrips. Bill enjoyed fishing with close friends and loved ones. Many times he would bowl with his congregation and family. Bill would often drag his kids to the theater because he loved movies so much. Bill was truly a gift with his infectious smile, jokes, big warm heart, wisdom, generosity, and compassion. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the honor of knowing him.

Billy is survived by his beautiful wife Tandra J. Birmingham (nee Price) who never left his side, his six children (listed oldest to youngest): Octavia L. Standley nicknamed “Ockie”(Dean), Billy W. Birmingham Jr., affectionately known as his “Beloved Son”, Gayla M. Brown whomed he lovingly referred to as his “Gayla Marie” (Ray), Tiffany C. Penaye who was destined to be his “Neurosurgeon” (Albert), Alexandria Y. Birmingham who he certified as his “Preacher” and Aretta D. Birmingham who he called his “Snoopy”. He will also be greatly missed by his 14 grandkids, Rakim, Najai, Damon Jr., Shelby, Kennedy, Jaimy, Jackson, Floyd (Hershey), Brianna, Shandel, Dontay, Tamyra, Ray Jr and Alexander. His legacy continues with 6 great-grandchildren. Bill leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives to cherish his memory.  He was preceded in death by his parents John D. and Mother Mary Birmingham, his daughter Sharron D. Birmingham who will always be known as his “Little Sharron”, his sisters Wanda and Sheila, and brothers Brian Keith and Dwight, and his nephew Ronnie Sanders Jr. (Pac-Man).

Funeral services Wednesday, April 22, 2020, 11:00 a.m Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors Chapel. Forest Hill Cemetery. Service conducted by Duane E. Harvey Funeral Directors. Condolences may be shared on our website.

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