William Baird

Born on October 7, 1934 Departed on December 31, 2018 and resided in Nashville, TN Visitation: West Harpeth Funeral Home and CrematoryFriday January 4, 2019 4:00pm to 8:00pmSaturday January 5, 2019 10:00am to 11:00amFuneral Service: West Harpeth Funeral Home and CrematorySaturday January 5, 2019 11:00am

BAIRD, WILLIAM O. (RED)

Age 84. Passed away peacefully early New Years Eve morning, at NHC Place Cool Springs, after a brief illness. He is survived by his wife, Ernestine Mitchell Baird, his sweetheart of over 62 years. He was preceded in death by his son Barton Van Baird, parents Paul H. and Rosie Longworth Baird, brothers Frank and Harry Baird, sister Dorothy Anne Monroe. He is survived by the family of son Barton Van Baird-Tara (Tom,Jr),Thomas III, and Allison Arcuri; Willam (Jessica), Abigail, Bailey, and Austen Lynn Baird; son Barry Ernest Baird (Joseph Taylor) William Blake Baird, Laura Taylor, Brent Taylor; son Bradford Paul Baird, and daughter RoseAnne (Patrick), Benjamin Paul, Rebekah Anne, Elisabeth Rose, Hannah Claire, and Andrew John Sullivan. Also survived by sisters Mae Frances Keeton and Paula Hendricks, close nieces and nephews, and extended family.

He was born on Alabama Ave and was very proud to be from West Nashville. He attended Cohn High School, then joined the US Navy, serving on the USS Dashiell DD 659. He was so grateful to march in each annual Veteran's Day Parade's through 2018. Later, he was employed for many years by the US Postal Service and chose "walking" mail routes. He thoroughly enjoyed playing sports and was known for his competitive nature. He competed for many years in the Senior Olympics, winning medals as recently as September 2018. He was most proud of being able to compete as partners with his daughter, RoseAnne, during the last four years.

William dearly loved his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and touched many lives through his example and service to others. In 1968, he was called to the ministry and pastored churches in Alabama, Florida and Tennessee. He was a member of Big Harpeth Primitive Baptist Church. He loved and was loved by his pastor and church family. William loved life! His greatest pleasure was being with his family and he was happiest when they were together.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 5, 2018 with Bro. Doyle Hurst officiating. Burial will be held 2:00 p.m. on Monday at Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be held on Friday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at West Harpeth Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Harpeth Primitive Baptist Church in care of Brother Glen Dodson, Sr. 6608 Flushing Dr. College Grove, TN 37046.