Wilson O'Neal Baird

Wilson O’Neal Baird went to be with the Lord on September 23rd, 2023. He was born in 1934 in New Zion SC, the son of the late Henry Wheeler Baird and Annie Eunice Baird. He was a life-long member of Highland Park United Methodist Church in Florence. Neal graduated from Manning High School in Manning SC in 1954. He was the founding President and a firefighter for the West Florence Volunteer Fire Department, a member of the Amity Lodge 340, a retiree from Dupont of Florence, and a veteran of the South Carolina Army National Guard. Neal is survived by his son, Air Force Colonel (ret) Chris Baird, his daughter-in-law Jennifer Baird, and their son James Baird, all of Lebanon Ohio. Also surviving are his brother Tommy Morris of Turbeville and his companion, Sally Baker of Florence. Neal was predeceased by his son, Chip Baird; sisters Mae Andrews, Geneva Witherspoon, Floreed Pelfrey, Inez Baird and Carolyn Schilling; and brother, Jerome Baird. A memorial service will be held at the Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home of Florence on Friday, September 29th at 11:00 a.m. Please sign the Guest Book for the family at www.stoudenmiredowling.com.