‘J.R.’ Baird

Rev. Jabel Robert “J.R.” Baird Jr., 78, of Toccoa, died Sunday, September 28, 2008, at Athens Regional Medical Center.

He was born in Jackson County on January 19, 1930, the son of the late Jabel Robert “J.R.” Baird Sr. and Hattie Ford Baird. He was a member of Glad Tidings Assembly of God and was a veteran, having served in the United States Air Force. He pastored five churches since 1967 and was a farmer at heart. Mr. Baird was preceded in death by a son, Robert Donovan “Donnie” Baird; brothers, Lester Baird, James Baird and Marvin Baird; and sisters, Darlene Hembree, Mattie Lee Baker and Betty Fleeman.

Survivors include his wife, Murnette Robinson Baird, Toccoa; sons and daughters-in-law, Robin and Trudy Baird and John and Tonya Baird, all of Toccoa, Mark and Diane Baird, Lexington; daughter-in-law, Ramona Baird, Toccoa; sisters, Curtistine Bruce, Nicholson, Edna Webster, Greensboro, N.C., and Esther Summers, Bartow, Fla.; six granddaughters; one grandson, one great-grandson; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, September 30, at Glad Tidings Assembly of God with the Revs. David Braxton, Charles Reese and Wilmer Ivester officiating. Burial was in Roselane Cemetery. Pallbearers were Robin Baird, Mark Baird, John Baird, Joseph Powell, Marcus Baird, Rocky Fulbright, Jimmy Ford and Bill Smith.

Whitlock Mortuary, Toccoa, was in charge of arrangements.