Howard Reid Baird, 83, of Oxford, North Carolina passed away on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at Granville Medical Center surrounded by his family. Howard was born on March 1, 1941, in Oxford, North Carolina. He was the son of the late Nathaniel Reid and Mary Royal Currin Baird of Oxford. Howard started his career as a heavy equipment operator with Dean & Parrott before retiring from the NCDOT.

Howard married Rosa Baird November 30, 1991. They were married for 33 years. They enjoyed going to the beach and doing things together. They loved having cookouts on Sunday afternoons with family. Howard had a love of old cars and restoring 1930 A-Model Cars. The young children at church would always go and see Howard before worship service because they all knew he had a sucker in his shirt pocket waiting for them.

Survivors include his sons Gary Baird (Jennifer) and Kenny Baird (Jackie) of Oxford. Stepsons Jeff Duffer (Trisha) of Clover, VA, Curtis Duffer (Leslie) of Alton, VA and Eric Clay (Angel) of Henderson, NC, 5 grandchildren - Austin Baird (Cheyene), Courtney Beckwith (Dylan), Chad Duffer, Joey Duffer, Abby Duffer, 4 great-grandchildren – Reid Baird, Miles Baird, Grace Duffer, Hank Duffer; two brothers, Roger Baird and Richard Baird. He is also survived by his nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Howard was preceded in death by his wife; Rosa Baird, his son; Michael Baird and his brother; Ned Baird.

Visitation will be held on Thursday February 27th at 11:00 am at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Oxford, NC, followed by a funeral service officiated by Reverend Keith Williams and Reverend Tim Atkinson at 12:00. At all other times, the family will be receiving family and friends at the home of Howard Baird.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1171 US 158, Oxford, NC 27565.

Arrangements are by Sossamon Funeral Home of Oxford. Online condolences may be made at www.sossamonfuneralhome.com.