Birney Thurman Havey, Jr.

Birney “Chick” Havey, age 99, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2021 with family by his side.  Birney was born on December 13, 1921 in St. Louis, Missouri to his parents Birney Havey Sr. and Anna Reinheimer.  Birney moved to Galveston in 1986 where he lived for several years with his family.  Birney eventually moved to Seabrook, Texas where he made many friends.  In 2019, Birney moved in with his daughter, Jamie, in League City, Texas.  

Birney was a highly decorated Paratrooper in the United States Army.  Birney served in World War II where he fought in the Battle of the Bulge and the Battle of Northern France.  Birney was also involved in the invasion of Germany and was a liberator of the Dachau Concentration Camp. During his time in battle, Birney earned the following medals: the Silver Star, three Bronze Stars with “V” device for Valor, the Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with 3 battle stars, the Victory Europe Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal with Germany Clasp, and the Combat Infantry Badge.  In 2016, he was awarded the French Legion of Honor medal at a ceremony on the Battleship Texas. 

Birney spent his later years in life working as a restaurant engineer, selling and installing restaurant equipment in and around the Galveston area. Birney also owned his own restaurant “The Shrimp House” on The Strand in Galveston. 

Birney is preceded in death by his father Birney Havey Sr., mother Anna and sisters Betty, Jane and Violet. 

Birney is survived by his two daughters and their spouses, Crista Grimwood and husband Stan of Emporia, Kansas; Jamie Ford and husband Michael of League City, Texas; and two grandchildren, Avery and Aidan Grimwood. Birney will also be leaving behind countless friends that have always loved him. 

Visitation will be held on Saturday October 9, 2021 at 1 P.M at J. Levy & Termini Funeral Home with a funeral service to follow at 2 P.M. Pastor Brad Gartman will be officiating.

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