David H. Baird

David H. Baird, 99, of Amherst Rd., Morganton died Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at College Pines following a brief illness. He was born July 9, 1908 in Cobb Co., GA, and was a son of the late William David Baird and Clara Delena Mauney Baird. David was a member of the Cajah Mountain Church of ‘God. He gave his life to Jesus Christ when he was 19 years old and walked with his Lord and Savior for more than 80 years. David loved gospel music and has sang and played it on his guitar throughout his life. David played and sang for a Bible class that he taught weekly at the "High Rise" for 27 years, where he led many young men to walk with Christ. Some of these young men and their families kept in touch with him up until his death because of the wonderful changes David had made in their lives. He retired from Drexel Furniture at the age of 62. He loved playing golf at Quaker Meadows. When he turned 96 years of age, the golf club gave him a free lunch and pass for a free year of golf. David always walked the course for exercise instead of riding in the golf cart.He is survived by sons, Jack David Baird of Morganton and Dr. Joseph L. Baird of Kent, OH; 13 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren; and 5 great great grandchildren; a brother, Charles Baird of Kershaw, SC; sisters, Kathrine Baker and Mary Deal, both of Morganton, and Barbara Patton of Nebo, NC; daughters-in-law, Grace Baird of Morganton and Myrtle Baird of Aiken, SC; and a special friend, Senia Penley of Morganton.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Bertis L. Baird and his second wife, Dorathy Lorraine Ward Baird; and sons, John William Baird and Bobbie Frank Baird. David led the family as the head of the fifth generation of Bairds and four generations of David Bairds. Dad, Papaw, Great Papaw, and Great Great Papaw was loved by everyone that knew him and he will be greatly missed by all.Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, January 26, 2008 in the Colonial Chapel of Sossoman Funeral Home with Rev. Sam Abee officiating. Burial will follow at Burke Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Friday from 7:00 until 8:30 pm at the funeral home. At other times, the family will be at his son’s home, Jack Baird, Phoenix Avenue, Morganton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Burke Hospice and Palliative Care, Inc., 1721 Enon Rd., Valdese, NC 28690.