NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Alexander F. Birnie Jr, 83, Chief Master Sergeant, USAF-Retired, passed away Monday, October 30, 2017.

Born in Barre, Vermont, on January 14, 1934, he was the son of the late Alexander F. Birnie and Frances Legier Birnie. He was a graduate of Drury High School in North Adams, Mass. Chief Birnie served his country with distinction on active duty for 31 years in the U.S. Air Force, having served multiple assignments in the U.S., Europe (Germany and France), the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. He received numerous medals and decorations including the Bronze Star.

He was an avid motorsport enthusiast of Formula One Racing and historic race cars. His favorite was Classic Team Lotus and Dan Gurney’s All American Racers where he had many longtime friends. He was a student of military history and was a member of the S.C. Military History Club. He loved all types of military aircraft especially historic aircraft of which the B-17 and B-24 were favorites.

He loved everything “Vermont” from covered bridges to maple sugar candies. As a true Scotsman, his heritage reaching back to Aberdeen, he was fond of giving “Scottish tips” and “A Wee Deoch-an’Doris”.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Elisabeth Schneider; sons, Alex (Debbie), Steve (Kathy), Bob, Mike (Amy) and Mark (Kerri); daughter, Barbara (Tony); and siblings Margaret Boyer (Al) of North Adams, Mass., and Joan LaBonte (Harvey) of Plattsburgh, N.Y. He was affectionately known as “Opa” and is survived by 16 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.

The family would like to express its gratitude to the committed and compassionate professionals at Lexington Medical Center, 8th Floor, Oakleaf Assisted Living of Lexington, and Agape Hospice House of Lexington.

Funeral notice: A memorial service will be held at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo, S.C., at 11 a.m. Friday, November 3, 2017, with visitation following from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Interment with full Military Honors will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, November 3, 2017, in Fort Jackson National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Autism Society (autismsociety.org), National Aphasia Association, or a veteran’s association of your choice.