Ralph Michael "Mike" Bird, 68 USAF Retired Auburndale – Ralph Michael "Mike" Bird of Auburndale, FL went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 13, 2016. Mike was born on December 25, 1947, in Battle Creek Michigan. His parents were the late Ralph J. and Lucille Ruth Bird. Mike proudly served in the United States Air Force for 21 years as an aircraft engineer. He was a combat Vietnam war veteran and a true American patriot. After he retired, he enjoyed traveling the world. He supported the USO, the American Cancer Society and the Lakota Indians. He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Tanya Bird, and their three daughters, Paula Bird, Faith Bird and Bailey Bird. He is also survived by two sons, Michael Bird and Christopher Yoh; two daughters, Tammie Bird and Ashlee Dixon; 9 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild; one brother, Jon Bird, and two sisters, Patricia Bird and Melanie Bird. Visitation will be at Gentry-Morrison Funeral Home, 3350 Mall Hill Drive, Lakeland on Friday, March 18, 2016 at 10:00 am, followed by the funeral services at 11:00 am. Burial will be at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell later that day. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the above-named organizations.