Norman Baird

Norman "Billy" Baird, 91, of Lufkin, was born December 1, 1918 in Lufkin, Texas, the son of the late Julia E. (Roberts) and Louis Starret Baird. He passed away Monday, August 9, 2010 in a local hospital.

Billy grew up in Redland and joined the United States Army during World War II and served in North Africa and Europe, where he received a Purple Heart. After returning from the war, he married the love of his life, Mary Snider, on March 14, 1949. Mr. Baird worked many years for the Norris Fence Company and later for Lufkin Industries. He attended Woodlawn Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 60 great years, Mary (Snider) Baird of Lufkin; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

Mr. Baird was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Wanda Sue Baird; sisters, Vivian Hendry Wall and Addie Lee Lewis and brothers, Ben, Icky, and Thaxton Baird.

Pallbearers will be Joe Rice, Ike Williams, Wayne Evans, Bob Holmes, C. B. Herrington, John Herrington and Ross Garcia.

Mr. Baird's family wishes to extend special thanks to Heart to Heart Hospice for the loving care shown to him during his last illness.

Services for Mr. Baird will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 12, 2010 in the Gipson Funeral Home Chapel, with Chaplain Bob Harbuck officiating. Interment will follow in the Gann Cemetery.

Friends are invited to visit with the family from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at Gipson Funeral Home.

Condolences may be offered at www.gipsonfuneralhome.com.

Gipson Funeral Home; directors