Billie Joe Baird

Billie J. Baird, 93, passed away last week. He was predeceased by his wife Mary Harrison Baird. Originally from Roanoke Alabama, First Sargent Billie served his country as a sharp shooter during WWII in the Pacific. He was not one to sing his own praises and he would down play the Bronze Star he received for meritorious service. Whenever he was asked about the war, he would tell you how it took 10 thousand rounds of ammunition to kill one goat. To this day, between the diet of goat & chocolate, Dad would not touch lamb or chocolate. Upon his honorable discharge from the army, Dad returned to Alabama and married his sweetheart Mary.

Billie and family moved to Bradenton in the late 1950’s. He was assistant county engineer for the Manatee County Highway Department for 28 years. He knew every road, shortcut and inch of Manatee County. He could drive you all over the county and never travel the same road twice.

An avid hunter, fisherman and card player, Billie was always up for a game of Hand & Foot. One had to be at the top of their game to play cards with him. One also needed to look out when Billie got that twinkle in his eye because you knew either a prank or zinger was coming. Sometimes Dad would get that steely eye look that would remind you of John Wayne and you knew you were in trouble. He was active at Trinity United Methodist here in Bradenton and later the 1st Baptist Church in Parrish.

Billie is survived by his 2 sisters, Ruby Mecham and Patsy Noles of Georgia, his 2 sons Bill & Clay, their wives Bonnie & Nancy, and the 2 grandchildren William and Brandy.

Visitation
2015-05-12 18:00:00
20:00:00

Funeral Service
2015-05-13 11:00:00
Shannon Funeral Home Town Chapel
1015 14th Street W.
Bradenton
FL
344205


Interment following funeral service
2015-05-13
Shannon Funeral Home Town Chapel
1015 14th Street W.
Bradenton
FL
344205