Stanley Wayne Baird, 80, of Russell Springs, KY passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, July 9, 2023 at Russell County Hospital, surrounded by his family. Born October 16, 1942 in Williamsburg, he was one of six children born to the union of the late Arnold and Marie Criscillis Baird.
Wayne was a retired carpenter and a US Army veteran. He was a faithful member, deacon, and treasurer at Square Oak Separate Baptist Church, where he served in times past as Sunday School teacher and Sunday School Superintendent. Wayne was a member of over 55 years with the Russell Springs Masonic Lodge #941 and a member of Gideon’s International. Wayne began singing at a young age and loved spreading the gospel of Christ through song. In later years, he was a member of the Square Oak Boys who sang at many churches in Russell and surrounding counties. Wayne enjoyed going fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. He was a true gentleman, who left a positive impact on each life he touched.
SURVIVORS:
His wife of 60 years: Velma Smith Baird of Russell Springs
1 daughter: Sharon (Buddy) Coe of Jamestown
1 son: Randy (Bethany) Baird of Russell Springs
4 grandchildren: Megan (Sicelo “Stitch”) Buthelezi of Russell Springs, Nicholas (Whitney) Coe of Columbia, Logan (Hunter) Smith of Russell Springs, and Ashton Baird of Russell Springs
4 great-grandchildren: Aubree Buthelezi, Deklynn Coe, Asher Coe, Parker Smith (and a great-granddaughter on-the-way)
3 brothers: Croley (Linda) Baird and Larry Baird both of Russell Springs and Robert Baird of West Chester, Ohio
2 sisters-in-law: Myrna Baird of Cincinnati, Ohio and Pat Baird of West Chester, Ohio
A host of nieces, nephews, & friends
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his parents-in-law: William Fred & Eula Mae Smith; two brothers: Jacky Baird and Chester Baird; and one sister-in-law, Glenda Baird.
Funeral Service: Thursday, July 13, 2023 at 12:00pmCT at Square Oak Separate Baptist Church with Bro. Troy Coffey and Bro. Bobby Conner officiating
Burial: Square Oak Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Russell County Honor Guard
Visitation: Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 5:00pm-8:00pmCT at Bernard Funeral Home with Masonic Funeral Rites at 7:30pmCT conducted by Russell Springs Masonic Lodge #941, and after 9:00amCT on Thursday at Square Oak Separate Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, Wayne’s family requests memorial contributions be made to Square Oak Separate Baptist Church Building Fund, 176 E. Old Jamestown Road, Russell Springs, KY 42642 OR to Gideon’s International. Donations can be made at the funeral home.
Pallbearers: Nicholas Coe, Logan Smith, Will Dando, Glen Baird, Darrell Baird, Jordy Veach, and Matt Baird
Honorary Pallbearer: Wayne’s grandson-in-law, Sicelo “Stitch” Buthelezi
Funeral arrangements are under the care and direction of Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.
