Stanley Wayne Baird, of Russell Springs, passed away peacefully on Sunday morning, July 9, 2023, at Russell County Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was 80 years of age.
Born on Friday, 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; they sang at many churches in and around Russell County. 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.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife, Velma Smith Baird, of Russell Springs, whom he wed on February 9, 1963; his daughter, Sharon (and Buddy) Coe, of Jamestown; his son, Randy (and Bethany) Baird, of Russell Springs; four grandchildren, Megan (and Sicelo “Stitch”) Buthelezi, of Russell Springs, Nicholas (and Whitney) Coe, of Columbia, Logan (and Hunter) Smith, of Russell Springs, and Ashton Baird, of Russell Springs; and four great-grandchildren, Aubree Buthelezi, Deklynn Coe, Asher Coe, Parker Smith, and one great-granddaughter on-the-way. Wayne is also survived by three brothers, Croley (and Linda) Baird, of Russell Springs, Larry Baird, of Russell Springs, and Robert Baird, of West Chester, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Myrna Baird of Cincinnati, Ohio and Pat Baird, of West Chester, Ohio; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by his parents-in-law, William Fred and Eula Mae Smith; two brothers, Jacky Baird and Chester Baird; and one sister-in-law, Glenda Baird.
Funeral services are 12:00 P.M. C.S.T. on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Square Oak Separate Baptist Church, with Brother Troy Coffey and Brother Bobby Conner officiating. Burial will follow in Square Oak Cemetery with full military honors conducted by the Russell County Honor Guard.
Visitation will be held from 5:00-8:00 P.M. C.S.T. Wednesday, July 12, 2023, at Bernard Funeral Home, with Masonic Funeral Rites at 7:30 P.M. conducted by the Russell Springs Masonic Lodge #941.
Visitation will continue from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M. Thursday, July 13, 2023, at Square Oak Separate Baptist Church.
Wayne’s pallbearers will be Nicholas Coe, Logan Smith, Will Dando, Glen Baird, Darrell Baird, Jordy Veach, and Matt Baird.
Wayne’s grandson-in-law, Sicelo “Stitch” Buthelezi, will be an honorary pallbearer.
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.
Funeral arrangements for Mr. Stanley Wayne Baird are under the care and direction of Bernard Funeral Home. An online guestbook is available at www.bernardfuneralhome.com.