Thomas "Bird" Kay Vandyke

“Bird” Vandyke, born Thomas Kay, was the twin son of Ira “Buddy” and Mary June Hale Vandyke. Bird was a long-time resident of Vansant, VA where he was a coal mine operator, co-owner of Bill Branch Coal Mine and co-owner of Diddle Bird Explosives. Upon retirement, Bird moved to Eutawville, SC where he met his wife Carol and raised two sons sharing his passions for hunting, fishing, farming and working.

Bird is pre-deceased by his parents and twin brother, James Ray “Diddle” Vandyke.

Bird is survived by his wife, Carol, of over 35 years; sons Tyler Kay (Whitney) and Stuart Thomas (Mercedez); grandchildren Grant Knox, Finley Rae and Chloe Ruth. Bird is also survived by brother, Ira Leon “Punk” Vandyke (Debbie) of Abingdon, VA; sister-in-law Pauline Vandyke of Rocky Gap, Va; sons Tommy Elton, Nathan Scott and Jamie Kay of Abingdon, VA.

Bird was a member of First Baptist Church of Eutawville and a Past Master of Vance Masonic Lodge #230. He loved to garden, ride the farm in his buggy, hunt, fish and especially spend time with his grandchildren. He was thrilled to have his two oldest grandchildren shoot their first bucks off the Vandyke farm this Fall.

The family will receive friends Sunday, November 9, 2025, from 5-7PM at Avinger Funeral Home. A service will be held Monday, November 10, 2025, at 11AM at First Baptist Church of Eutawville, 507 Factory Road, Eutawville. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, November 11, 2025 at 1PM at Greenhills Memory Gardens, 11800 Governor G C Peery Hwy., Cedar Bluff, VA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Eutawville Building Fund, the Vance Masonic Lodge, or a charity of your choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434.