To my sweet niece and nephews ,  when I think of  Mike I think of the auto parts store ,  the many projects he’d create and the love of animals that brought him so much joy . But none of these were as magical as the love I always saw  in him with young kids .  He couldn’t wait to share tractor rides with anyone  willing . He truly adores his children and grandchildren .... he welcomed me in his home always and made me one of the gang .Thank you for the time we’ve shared .    Love and hugs Mike ... save me a seat at the table .  The gathering will be amazing!  ❤️

To Misty, Brandon,  Chris, Robbie and families. Our prayers are with each of you during the loss of your father.  May God fill each of you with memories and wisdom for the days to come. We love you all as family and are here for each of you. Sincere sympathy to you all. Love Blane and Laura Latta

So sorry to hear about the passing of Michael. He is now resting and in peace with my sister and your mother in Heaven. I love you guys. I wish I could have been there. Will be coming home soon - will try to see you then. Uncle Dan

     My earliest memory of Michael is him proudly showing off a car he was working on. Probably 1972 or so. I don’t remember the car make or model but it was a fast looking car, a hot rod. I was probably 6-7 years old. I remember hearing that he had taken a car apart and put it back together.  I was blown away that he could do that!
     Michael always struck me as one of the quieter Bairds but still sporting Effie’s mischievousness streak and Grandpa’s curiosity and talent for figuring out how to fix or put things together..
     Maybe because I am Wallace’s son, the oldest son of Effie and Robert, and Mike being the youngest, he never seemed too “parentee” towards me. He loved his Pepsis and his snack machine diet - and I did too!  Don’t get me wrong, we have different personalities.  Where he was reserved and quiet, I am gregarious and loud. But, as they say, opposites attract. I loved and related to Michael. 
     During our time together, he didn’t talk politics, religion or anything else that might ruffle feathers. If he did express an opinion on current events he was respectful of others’ beliefs. Once again, opposites attract.
     One of my very first jobs was at Baird Hardware. It was a part-time job while I was in college at UNC. I was proud to be working at a place owned by family and proud to be working for Michael. As a small business owner, I realize how difficult this career can be and Michael carried it off in his trademark unassuming, shoulder shrug demeanor that I remember most about him. I barely knew a screw from a bolt but he patiently taught me.  I can attest from first-hand experience that his employees and customers loved and respected him.
     I always knew Michael loved me, my wife and his entire family. You could see it in his eyes and in how he tried his best to participate even when doing so seemed to contradict his instincts. He was not a party person but he made the effort to be there whenever he could.
     After losing Linda, Michael retreated even more. He smiled less, he participated less and he just wore an aura of sadness that never relented.  Unless, of course, he had just figured out how to get the damn skid steer or some other engine to behave.  
     His visits to our farm in Walkertown were always highlights for me. He came in, fixed the unfixable, helped dad and myself selflessly and seemed to relish every minute - although he never stayed long enough for me.  
     Hopefully, Michael is resting peacefully and the pain and discomfort he has suffered for years are done. Michael lives on through his beautiful children and their offspring. They are an everlasting testament to his beauty and his honest hard-working life.
 
We love you Michael -
Daniel & Miriam Baird

OBITUARY

Michael Wayne Baird

March 25, 1950 – October 21, 2019

Mitchell Funeral Home at Raleigh Memorial Park

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Past Services

Visitation

Funeral Service