ForeverMissed
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Nathaniel Royal Baird “Ned-Ned” age 73 passed away Sunday, February 26, 2017 at his home with his wife and family.

He was born January 15, 1944 to the late Nathaniel Reid Baird, Jr. and Mary Royall Baird. Ned was a member and deacon of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, worked for Roadway for twenty-seven years and was Fire Chief of the Berea Fire Department for twenty-two years.

Memorial services will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, March 1, 2017 at Mt. Zion Baptist Church by Rev. Keith Williams. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Surviving are his wife of fifty-three years, Carolyn Dickerson Baird of the home; a daughter, Dewana Brannon (Mark) of Dunn; a son, David Scott Baird (Wendy) of Oxford; five grandchildren, Hannah, Leah, Colby, Corey, Chloe, the loves of his life; three brothers, Howard (Rosa) Baird, Roger Baird and Richard (Marsha) Baird and several nieces and nephews who he dearly loved.

Visitation will be held from 12:00 – 1:45 P.M. Wednesday, March 1, 2017 in the Fellowship Hall of Mt. Zion Baptist Church prior to the Memorial Service.

Memorials may be made to Berea Fire Department 1213 US Hwy 158 Oxford, NC 27565, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1171 US Hwy 158, Oxford, NC 27565 or Duke Hospice, 4321 Medical Park Dr. Suite 101, Durham, N.C. 27704.

March 1, 2017
March 1, 2017
Carolyn, my heart is so heavy with sadness for you. Ned was a true "Southern Gentleman". Kind, humble, compassionate, to all who knew him. It was always a pleasure to run into the two of you, because the love you had for each other, and everyone else, always warmed my heart. Thinking of you, my dear friend, and praying for comfort in the days ahead.
March 1, 2017
March 1, 2017
Today we will lay to rest a fine, Christian man who I always called my "Brother-in-law". He has always been there for everybody and would do anything for anybody that he could! He was always such a hard worker to provide for his family. He loved the Berea Fire Department and worked hard at that job also! Carolyn, I am so glad you had 53 years with Ned.! He loved you so much and you will see him again in Heaven! You have a lot of good memories of your life and years together that you can always cherish! He also loved Scott and Wendy and Dewana and Mark and the grandchildren so much and was so proud of them all! And he loved his bothers and their families just as much! He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him! We loved you Ned! R.I.P. Ned-Ned!!
March 1, 2017
March 1, 2017
Carolyn,Scott, Dewana and family. I am wanting you to know that Sharon and I will be praying for your family during this time of heartache. We were so sorry to hear about Ned's passing. We hope that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
Please know that my love and prayers are with you Carolyn and all the family. Ned was a kind,and gentle person,our community and church will miss seeing his smiling face and his warm personality! Take care of yourself, and cherish all those memories of that wonderful husband that you were able to have for those fifty three years! Love to all!
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
Carolyn, we are so sorry to hear of Ned's passing. We are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
Carolyn, Dewana, Scott and family, I am so sorry for your loss, you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
Carolyn and family, we are so sorry for your loss. We shared that last week when we were graced with the laughs and memories that we shared with him. It was great to hold his hand and hear him laugh one more time. You lost a husband and father we lost a "brother". He will be fondly remembered. Thank you for allowing us that time with him and you.
Pete & Carolyn
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
Dear Carolyn and Family. We are so sorry to learn of Ned's passing. Even though we haven't been back to Berea for awhile, we so enjoyed visiting with you and Ned and reliving our childhood memories. He was such a good man and cherish your memories of your lifetime together. Carolyn our prayers are with you and your family.  

Bill and Cheryl Wilkins
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
Carolyn and Family. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and family.  Always heard good things about Ned. Maurice & Polly Hester
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
Carolyn, Dewana, Scott and families, I am truly very sorry to hear about Ned's passing. I remember him fondly. He always had a ready smile.
Cindy (Newton) Mendenhall
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
Our (my) buddy has left us.....we will miss him so much. But he promised me he would be waiting so we could celebrate our 'second birthday ' together! Have the picnic basket ready.... Ned. Our lives have been much better by having you. God Bless Carolyn and Family, love you much!
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
So sorry for your loss. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." Psalm 116:15 For us death is the enemy; for the Lord it is a reunion with one He created for His glory. Ned was a good man and will be missed. Cherish those wonderful memories you have of him.
                Pat Wilkins-Lee and Donna Wilkins Snipes
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
Carolyn you and your family will be in our prayers.Ned will be missed at our Baird and Seaford gatherings at Roger's.Wish we could have been there for the service.Love to all of you.

Doug ,Arlene and all the Seaford Family
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
Carolyn and family, I was so sorry to hear of Ned's passing. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. One day at the time.
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
Carolyn, Dewana, Scott and Family my prayer's. are wiht ypu all. Ned was a nice and friendly man and I will misa the smile he always had. God Bless you all Love Lynn
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
Carolyn and family we are so sorry about Ned. He fought a hard battle. He will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Cherish the memories and all the good times. You know he is well again now. God Bless you all
February 28, 2017
February 28, 2017
Carolyn and family, accept my sincere sympathy for your loss. I understand how much you all loved each other and had such a strong family. Your faith will help hold you up and your friends will help get through each day. Love to you all. DeWana please know I am thinking of all of you. Your sweet children were his best loves. He talked about them a lot. Scott, Same for you, dad was a good man.
February 27, 2017
February 27, 2017
Carolyn, Dewana, Scott and family. I'm So sorry for your loss. Ned was the best. Cherish your memories and tell all the stories for the grandchildren. He will always be alive in your hearts. Much love, Tammy Hicks O'Briant
February 27, 2017
February 27, 2017
Deepest condolences to the Baird family on your loss. I had the pleasure of meeting Ned many years ago right after I'd moved to North Carolina, working in shipping. Ned was one of the Roadway drivers that serviced our account. Ned was always friendly and outgoing. My dad, brother, and I enjoyed many conversations with Ned over the years. Even after Ned had retired and I'd moved on, whenever I ran into him around town, we picked up where we left off. Heartfelt prayers for your family, Ned. Rest in peace.
February 27, 2017
February 27, 2017
Carolyn and family...while getting ready for at 6am store meeting Sunday morning at Lowe's in Morehead, I thought about the rest of the day and what I could do. I decided then that I would drive-up to Oxford after the meeting to see Ned. After lunch, Mama and I went out there to visit and you, Carolyn, had gone to a funeral. We laughed and talked just like friends do. I laughed at him and mama reminiscing. Despite the circumstances it was a most pleasureable visit. I also felt his undeniable peace and patience as he talked about things. I told him that I came that day specifically to see him. He told me that he would never ever forget it, and that touched my heart. It hurts me that Ned has passed and is no longer here with us. Yet, he is at home with God free of pain and burden, and to God be the glory. And God be with all of you at this difficult time. Love you all. Amy
February 27, 2017
February 27, 2017
One of the finest men in Berea. May God continue to hold this family in the palm of his hands. Praying for you all during this difficult time.
February 27, 2017
February 27, 2017
Carolyn,Scott and the rest of the family. I am so very sorry for your great loss. Ned was the nicest and kindest man I have ever met. Whether on a fire/EMS scene or at Cracker Barrel he always had a kind word and firm handshake to offer. You have my deepest sympathy. Lewis Taylor
February 27, 2017
February 27, 2017
Carolyn, I was so sorry to hear of Ned's passing. He was such a gentleman. Remember when we double dated so many, many years ago. We have a lot of great memories. He is in a much better place now and no longer suffering. May the Lord bless you and your family. Janice Lyon
February 27, 2017
February 27, 2017
Carolyn, you know, you and Ned Baird was one of my dearest friends. It just broke my heart when I hear that he had passed. Every time I saw him he had that sweet smile on his face, and I think it got brighter the more we talked to him. Then every time he came by here and blew that horn, when he was driving his truck. He never missed a time doing so. It did not matter if we was outside or not. I will always remember him for that. We will always have the memories, no one can take them away. Just remember we will always love him and you. He is forever in our hearts. Love you, Peggy and Larry

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Recent Tributes
March 1, 2017
March 1, 2017
Carolyn, my heart is so heavy with sadness for you. Ned was a true "Southern Gentleman". Kind, humble, compassionate, to all who knew him. It was always a pleasure to run into the two of you, because the love you had for each other, and everyone else, always warmed my heart. Thinking of you, my dear friend, and praying for comfort in the days ahead.
March 1, 2017
March 1, 2017
Today we will lay to rest a fine, Christian man who I always called my "Brother-in-law". He has always been there for everybody and would do anything for anybody that he could! He was always such a hard worker to provide for his family. He loved the Berea Fire Department and worked hard at that job also! Carolyn, I am so glad you had 53 years with Ned.! He loved you so much and you will see him again in Heaven! You have a lot of good memories of your life and years together that you can always cherish! He also loved Scott and Wendy and Dewana and Mark and the grandchildren so much and was so proud of them all! And he loved his bothers and their families just as much! He will be greatly missed by everyone that knew him! We loved you Ned! R.I.P. Ned-Ned!!
March 1, 2017
March 1, 2017
Carolyn,Scott, Dewana and family. I am wanting you to know that Sharon and I will be praying for your family during this time of heartache. We were so sorry to hear about Ned's passing. We hope that the love of family and friends will comfort and strengthen you in the days ahead.
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