HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – 75-year-old Charles Steven Paige of Hopkinsville died on Aug. 7 in his home on Glass Avenue. Lovingly referred to as “Bird Dog,” he was often the subject of conversation due to his travels around the city on a riding lawnmower. He often entertained people and promoted events with his famous barks, even inspiring local restaurant menu items and riding his mower through the Downtown Christmas Parade.

To honor his local legacy, community members packed DeBow Recreation Complex on Aug. 9 for a mower ride through downtown Hopkinsville. Their route passed by his house and one of his favorite restaurants, Ferrell’s. Dozens of people travelled down the roadway in mowers, UTV’s and cars, parading through the city with signs, pictures and honks all in the name of Bird Dog.

Organized quickly by local community members, those in attendance had all encountered Bird Dog through some way or another, whether it was a passing wave on his mower, a meaningful conversation or a fun encounter. Every person who was either cheering on riders or was inside a vehicle had a positive story to share.

“I have been overwhelmed about all of the things that people are doing in honor of my brother,” his sister Shirley Hopper told Christian County Now. She said that since he died people have been making shirts and sharing ideas for memorializing him in the city.

Rumors about how he got his nickname have been circulating around the community for years, with some stories dating back decades. Hopper confirmed that he was given the name when they were teenagers, after he barked a shop owner while they were hanging out.

Obituary and support on social media

“He was a man whose love, loyalty, humor, and unforgettable personality left a lasting impression on his family, his community, and countless people far beyond it,” said his obituary from King’s Funeral Home. “Behind all the barking, howling, meowing, yodeling, laughter, and stories was a man with an enormous capacity to love. Charles Steven “Bird Dog” Paige was loved because he was completely and unapologetically himself.”

Since the information about of his passing began circulating, an outpouring of love popped up on Facebook, with dozens of people sharing fond memories and offering support.

The Money Pit Bar & Lounge said, “Our hearts are broken by the news today, Birddog was a ‘regular’. Many of our Money Pit family grew up with him and have known him all their lives. He came in daily for a Dr. Pepper or just to visit and watch our Saturday pool tournament. He kept our little yard mowed for the last several years and never asked for anything in return.”

“Today we lost a legend here in Hopkinsville. I don’t believe there wasn’t a soul that hasn’t had the pleasure of listening to his antics,” said NuSouth Outfitters.

Memorial Donations May Be Made to Christian County Humane Society. A service will be held on Friday, Aug. 14 at 7 p.m. at King’s Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 14 at King’s Funeral Home in Cadiz.

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