Raised in the McClurg community Lewis Martin Baird was born the son of Raymond and Francis Jodean Cunningham Baird in Yakima, Wash. on March 17, 1960, and departed this life on March 24, 2007, at the age of 47.
Lewis was raised in the McClurg community along with his many brothers and sisters. He graduated from Bradleyville High School in 1979 and with his best friend, David Cox, entered the U.S. Marine Corps in May of the same year. After serving his country for 12 years Lewis returned to the Ava area, living in the Rome community for the past 12 years.
Lewis was an avid outdoorsman, loving to fish and hunt. He found life most enjoyable being in the woods or on the creek. Lewis loved his family, especially time spent fishing with his brother, Kirk, or hunting with his daughters, Amanda and Daylayna, or playing videogames with his nephews, Michael and Garrett.
Survivors include his two daughters, Amanda Hope and Daylayna Arleen; and one son Gabriel Douglas. Also surviving are six brothers, Daniel and his wife, Trish, Kirk and his wife, Tammy, Ray and his wife, Billi, Allen, Keith, and Eric; two sisters, Alice Harmon and her husband, Gary, and Angel Roy and her husband, Mike; several nieces, nephews, and a host of relatives and friends.
Lewis was preceded by his parents, Raymond Belmont and Francis Jodean Baird, and two brothers, Billy Ray and Dennis Keith.
Funeral services for Lewis Martin Baird were held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 28, in Clinkingbeard Chapel with the Revs. James Hathcock and Ron Wallace officiating. Burial was in Walnut Grove Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorial contributions may be made to Walnut Grove Cemetery at the funeral home. Services are being conducted by Clinkingbeard Funeral Home; Ava. Online condolences may be made at www.clinkingbeardfuneralhome. com.
