Dr. Joseph Charles Birdwell

Dr. Joseph Charles Birdwell, age 75, of Knoxville, Tennessee, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, February 4th, 2026. Joe was a devoted chiropractor, husband, father, and grandfather whose life reflected a deep commitment to service, the outdoors, and his community.

Joe was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, on September 19, 1950. He graduated from Alcoa High School in 1968 and attended the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, before earning his Doctor of Chiropractic degree from Palmer College of Chiropractic in 1975.

After graduation, Joe and his wife, Denice, moved to Wisconsin, where he began his chiropractic career and they started their family. He returned to Tennessee to continue his chiropractic practice closer to family and expanded his service to youth and civic organizations.

Joe was an assistant scoutmaster for Troop 88, where he watched his son, Josh, earn his Eagle. He invested countless hours in mentoring young men through camping trips, leadership opportunities, and the values of Scouting and was proud to see his grandsons join scouting. Joe also joined numerous civic organizations, where he formed lasting friendships and participated in charitable work that reflected his generous nature.

Those that knew him knew he had a strong political voice and enjoyed serving as commissioner for the City of Rockford. He was voted Best Chiropractor by The Daily Times Readers Choice and was honored to receive Tennessee Chiropractic Association’s “The Heritage” award from his fellow Tennessee chiropractors. He took special pride in seeing his daughter, Kara, continue the family chiropractic legacy.

An avid outdoorsman, Joe found his greatest peace in the woods and on the water. He loved to hunt and fish and enjoyed sharing those experiences with family and friends, passing down his knowledge, patience, and respect for nature to his children and grandchildren. Whether he was telling jokes and stories around a campfire or teaching his grandchildren how to cast a line, Joe’s easy laugh and humor made everyone feel welcome.

Joe was preceded in death by his father, Glenn Birdwell; mother, Gladys Birdwell; stepmother, Carolyn Birdwell; and son, Jason Birdwell. He is survived by his wife, Denice Birdwell; son, Josh Birdwell (Elizabeth) of Knoxville, TN; daughter, Kara Birdwell of Maryville, TN; grandsons, Jason, Ward, and Grant; and granddaughter, Evie.

A special thank you to the University of Tennessee cardiology department and to Joe’s good friend, Dr. Bryan Thompson. Joe looked forward to Bryan’s frequent visits and the Saturday morning breakfast outings with friends.

Joe will be remembered for his warm smile, his humor, and the quiet strength with which he faced life’s challenges. His family and friends will cherish his memory and the legacy of care and love he leaves behind.

Receiving of friends will be Sunday, February 15, 2026, from 1:30-3:30 at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Maryville, TN, where he was a longtime member, with a service to follow. Memorials in his honor can be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice. A graveside service will be in Iowa where he will be laid to rest next to his son, Jason.