Early C. "Early Bird" Word, age 80 of Auburn, was born in Chambers County, Alabama on March 25, 1932 and passed away in Opelika at East Alabama Medical Center on October 10, 2012. He was born to the late Jubal Early Word and Ruby Kitchens Word. Mr. Word was a carpenter in the construction industry for most of his working life. He loved fishing, dirt track racing, and professional wrestling. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Jeanette Word; children, Richard Word, Wayne Word, Donald Word, and Robert Word; sisters, Shirley Word Jones and Janice Word Prince; brother, David Lee Word; nine grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives.