Jimmie Ray Baird

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In Loving Memory of Jimmie Ray “Pa” Baird

Our beloved Daddy, Daddy-in-law, Pa, Great-Grand Pa, and friend Jimmie Ray Baird, passed from this life into eternity with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on April 25, 2026, surrounded by his family at his home in Alvord, Texas.

Funeral is 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 1st, 2026 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Alvord with burial at Jonestown Cemetery. Family will receive friends 6-8:00 p.m. Thursday at Hawkins Funeral Home in Decatur.

Jimmie Ray was born on December 6 or 7, 1933, depending on who you asked, in Silverton Texas to Beulah and Rawls Aubrey “N. Jim” Baird. He married the love of his life, Lawanda Jean Reid, September 2, 1961, in Silverton, Texas.

He was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church from 1989 until his passing where he proudly served as a deacon and a faithful Meals on Wheels volunteer. He was the first to support his preachers and made sure they always felt welcomed and were well fed.

He was a retired educator “and for someone who hated school, he sure spent a lot of time there” He taught school for Alvord Independent School District from 1968 -1979, where he served as a teacher, coach, and principal. Then, he went on to serve as AISD Superintendent from 1980-1987, where he was instrumental in the building of the Alvord High School at the time, which now serves as the current Alvord Intermediate School building. He also served in education at Decatur ISD and Saint Jo ISD. Upon retiring from public education, Jim went on to work in prison inmate education at Wackenhut and the GEO Group in Bridgeport Texas from 1990 to 2010.

Upon his final retirement, Jim enjoyed his dances at the various local Senior Centers, his weekly bingo games, traveling all over the country, taking cruises with family and friends, and enjoying time with his kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.

Jim touched the lives of everyone he met with his kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering support for those he loved. Jim was known for his dedication to his Savior Jesus Christ, his devotion to his entire family, and his strong work ethic. He enjoyed sharing stories, offering advice, and lending a helping hand whenever needed. His legacy of love and integrity will live on through the many memories he created with his family and friends.

He will be deeply missed, but his spirit will remain in our hearts forever. We are grateful for the time we shared with him and will continue to honor his memory with love and remembrance.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: John, Bill, and Bob Baird, and his wife, Lawanda.

Those left behind to cherish his memory and carry on his legacy are his brother, Jerry Baird and wife Jealeta of Silverton, TX, his cousin, Bettie Ruth Williams of Amarillo, TX, his sons, Paul Ray Baird and wife Mona of Forestburg, TX, and Jason Aubrey Baird and wife Jamie of Alvord, TX. His grandchildren, Matthew Baird and wife, Kristen, Brett and wife, Kendel, Whitney “Precious” Baird Monroe and husband, Kyler, Tyler Baird, Emilee Baird, Aubrey Baird, Boston Baird, and Camden Baird. His Great-Grandchildren Brayden Baird, Bryce Baird, Brynlee Baird, Atalee Baird, Brysten Baird, Anika Monroe, Bexlee Baird, Emory Monroe, and Addison Wright-Baird. He is also survived his many nieces and nephews, as well as his special caregiver, Meredith Elsmere Brown and her sons, Ronyn and Jaycen, and a host of very special friends.