William Lynnwood "Lynn" Baird

William Lynnwood Baird (Lynn), 88, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, January 24, 2025. He was born in Petersburg, VA on May 27, 1936, the first son of the late William and Jane Baird. Lynn is preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert Baird (Bob), his grand- daughter Andrea Page and his wife Bette Baird. He is survived by his daughter, Kathy Grabowski (and husband, Walt); his daughter, Elizabeth Baird; his sister-in-law, Florence Baird; his brother Carlton Baird (and wife Betty Jane). He is also survived by his five grandchildren: Jennifer Smith (and husband Daniel), Lindsey Burchell (and husband Forrest), Ryan Page (and family), Christopher Page (and family), and Tyler Turner. He was also blessed with multiple great grandchildren including Liam and Auden Burchell and Jaxson and Oliver Smith (with one more on the way). His loving family extends to his nieces and nephews and their families: Bobby Baird (and wife Debbie), Rose Marie Bates (and husband Louis), Scott English (and wife Sandi), Keith English (and wife Kayla), Anna Baird Choi (and husband Hunt). Lynn is also survived by many loving and loyal friends, including Jessica Brooks and Mary Beth and Gary Boxler.

Lynn grew up in Raleigh, NC with his two brothers. He entertained us for decades with wild stories of adventures and shenanigans that would have put most people in the hospital! After surviving his childhood, he graduated from Broughton High School and then attended and graduated from NC State University. He earned a degree in Civil Engineering. He then went to work for the Virginia Highway Department, working as a surveyor and later as a bridge designer. He took every opportunity to grow professionally, studying soil management, city management innovations, and even took an internship where he helped to design a blimp. While in Virginia, he met his soon to be wife, Elizabeth English (Bette). They were married on September 5, 1959.

Lynn and Bette had two daughters while in Virginia and then moved to Raleigh NC. Lynn became the Director of Public Works for the city of Raleigh, where he proudly served his community for over thirty years. He was a leader in his community and in the church, where he served as a deacon. Lynn and his family enjoyed many adventures camping, sailing, fishing, hiking and exploring each new place they encountered with the same exuberance he explored with as a child. He was afraid of nothing and taught his children to fearlessly seek their dreams. He was a supportive father in every way and attended every dance recital while cheering loudly for his two favorite dancers. He continued to support his grown children in all the ways he was able, including moving to Durham, NC to be close to his daughter and grandchildren. Lynn’s love and support extended to his precious grandchildren, who changed his name forever to “Pa”. He attended every performance and game he could, and he was always the loudest encourager in any crowd. His love and support were second to none as he encouraged and stood by his family.

Lynn lost his loving wife, Bette, in October of 2023 after 64 years of marriage. He cared for her tirelessly during the last years of her life. Lynn always found a way to serve others in his family, his community, and his church. He will be loved and missed always. We will all carry precious memories of this man with us. His love, devotion, advice, support, and wisdom will continue to be with all of us who were blessed to know him.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Temple Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Pine Forest Memorial Gardens, Wake Forest.

The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM til 6:00 PM on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. 

The Baird family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service.