Richard Murray Baird

Richard Murray Baird, age 96, went to his forever home Thursday, August 10, 2023 at Huntsville Hospital in Huntsville, AL. He was born July 4, 1927, in Oxford, MS to the late Glenn and Laura (Thompson) Baird.

Mr. Baird began his career as a young lad working at a service station across the street from their home and People's Wholesale as a shelf stocker. He served in the United States Navy in World War 2. Shortly after he and Maxyne married, they moved to Jonesboro, Arkansas and Greenwood, Mississippi where he worked as a traveling salesman for Proctor and Gamble. He was recruited by National Gypsum Company (Gold Bond) to sell building products. He received many sales awards and over the next 28 years, his career flourished as he was promoted step-by-step in management. He spent his final years in Senior Management of the company in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Upon retirement in 1988, he and Maxyne moved back home to their beloved Water Valley. Gold Bond contracted with him to serve as a consultant for a building facility project in Sardis, Mississippi. During this time, he also opened a siding business locally and bought local homes, restored/renovated them, and built a rental business. Water Valley city departments also sought advice from him on local issues/projects. He was probably most known for growing the best tomatoes in town which he gladly shared under the large magnolia tree in front of their home on Market Street.

He was an excellent golfer and playing golf with his best local friends from childhood was the only daily appointment. He and Maxyne were also involved in numerous community projects. Following her death, he began spending more time in the homes of each of his daughters. He was blessed to spend enormous time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He was a husband and dad who set standards and provided for his family, a son, a brother, a gentleman, a patriotic veteran, successful businessman, and truly a loyal friend. He loved God, family, friends, and his country.

Visitation is planned for Wednesday, August 16, 2023, at Seven Oaks Funeral Home from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM. Funeral Service will follow at 11:00 AM with Dr. Randy Bain officiating. Burial will be in Oak Hill Cemetery.

Richard is survived by four daughters, Xandra Beard (Rod), Veverly Arrington (Jim), Laurali Hollister, of Toney, AL, Melody Roberts (Wayne), of Thomasville, GA; nine grandchildren; twenty great-grandchildren; and one brother, Frank Baird of Florence, KY.

Along with his parents, Richard was preceded in death by his wife, and love of his life, Marjorie Maxyne Morgan Baird; one grandchild, Morgan Roberts; one brother,
Charlie Baird; and one son-in-law, Phill Hollister.