Author Laird

Author Laird, 81, of Mount Juliet, Tennessee, passed away at home on March 7, 2026. A loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, he was admired for his warm, kind, and charismatic personality. Known throughout the community, Author touched many lives with his generosity, always making himself available and giving back through various organizations. To know him was to love him. For 20 years, Author battled Parkinson’s Disease—a struggle that only became apparent during the last six years of his life. Born in Newport, Arkansas, on February 12, 1945, he was predeceased by his mother, Theolor Laird; father, Edwin Theodore Laird; brother, Harold Laird; and sisters-in-law, Audrey Laird and Betty Laird.

Author is survived by his wife of 57 years, Josephine Laird; his son Tony Laird (of Hermitage, TN); his daughter Saundra Laird-Phillips, married to Aaron Phillips (both of Mount Juliet, TN); and his son Jammy Laird, married to Bobbi Laird (both of Hermitage, TN). He is also survived by his grandchildren: Cyrus Laird (23, son of Jammy and Bobbi Laird); Dresden Laird (21, son of Jammy and Bobbi Laird); Cameron Phillips (21, son of Saundra Laird-Phillips and Aaron Phillips); and Carla Phillips (36, daughter of Aaron Phillips and Saundra Laird-Phillips). Surviving siblings include brothers Roy Laird (of Jacksonville, North Carolina) and Curtis Laird (of Leesburg, Virginia). Surviving in-laws are Olivia Laird, Earsie De Feliz, and brother-in-law Terry Alcorn. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and other relatives and friends.

Author served with distinguished dedication for over 23 years as a pilot in the United States Air Force. During his career, he fought in the Vietnam War. He achieved the rank of Lt. Colonel flying the KC-130 and KC-135 airplanes. His career included several overseas tours to Korea, Guam, and the Philippines. He also completed the Air Force Institute of Technology Program at IBM. This program was designed to prepare officers for management assignments in scientific and development engineering fields. He was also affiliated with the Arnold Air Society. He also served as the Commander of the Air Force ROTC DET at Tennessee State University. Author was also a proud member of the Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity.

Beyond his years of military service, Author was a devoted family man who cherished activities with his family and at his church. He coached his children's teams whenever possible and enjoyed motorcycles, antique cars, and crossword puzzles. As a member of Lakeshore Christian Church for over 35 years, he and his wife, Josephine, played active roles in their congregation, with Author serving as an elder for over 15 years until his death.

Visitation will be Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 12:30 p.m., with the Celebration of Life at 12:30 p.m., at Lakeshore Christian Church, 5434 Bell Forge LN. E., Antioch, TN. 37013. The burial will be a private ceremony at Middle Tennessee Veteran Cemetery.