Community Gathers for Prayer Vigil in Elizabethton Honoring Victor Birchfield
On a peaceful Tuesday night in Elizabethton, family, friends, and community members united for a prayer vigil to honor and remember Victor Birchfield, a beloved figure in the community who went missing since June 20th.
A Father, Grandfather, and Adventure Seeker
Known for his kindness and sense of adventure, Birchfield’s absence left a significant void in the community. His daughter, Tiffany Cole, reflected on her father’s persona, expressing deep gratitude for the strong community support. She described Birchfield as a father, a grandfather, and an adventure seeker who did everything with an infectious kindness.
“Seeing that love reciprocated that he showed to everyone in his life has really given us the strength to continue through this journey,” Cole said.
Birchfield’s Disappearance
Birchfield’s unexpected disappearance coincided with the search for an escaped Carter County inmate, Billy Fletcher. Law enforcement agencies believe there could be a connection, although investigations are still ongoing.
In her speech, Cole touched on the painful loss and memories robbed of them, “We will always hold those memories close to us that we have with him, but we also feel like we were robbed of a lot of memories we should have had,” she expressed.
Fond Memories and a Heavy Heart
Lester Perkins, Birchfield’s cousin, emphasized the deep connection they shared. He narrated fond memories and adventures they had together. “I’ll remember him the rest of my days, and right now my heart is heavy for him and heavy for what’s happened,” Perkins stated.
Perkins and Birchfield’s Adventures
During the vigil, Perkins captivated attendees with engaging stories about his and Birchfield’s shared adventures. Everyone present could sense the deep gratitude Perkins felt for having Birchfield as a cousin.
A Daughter’s Love for Her Father
Just as Perkins was grateful for his cousin, so was Cole for her father. “There was never a day that I questioned in my entire life how much my father loved me. A lot of people don’t get that, especially from their dads… ‘you are the best part of my world’, he’d say, and there wasn’t a day that I didn’t believe that,” said Cole.
Birchfield’s whereabouts still remain unknown. Human remains were discovered in Johnson County the previous weekend, but neither the family nor the law enforcement have identified them yet.
In Conclusion
The Elizabethton community gathers, remembers, and prays for Victor Birchfield, while hoping for answers and closure in the unfolding mystery of his disappearance. This prayer vigil was a heartfelt reflection of the high regard and affection the town has for Victor Birchfield – a kind soul who left an indelible mark on the community.
