Obituary of James Franklin Baird

James Franklin Baird, age 69, of Granite Falls, passed away January 11, 2018. Born February 16, 1948 in Watauga County, he was a son of Benjamin Franklin and Ollie Hodges Baird. James was a great dad who loved his family and was a man who enjoyed the simple things in life. His favorite pastime was drag racing and mechanic work. He was a long distance truck driver for Dennis Cook Trucking. James is survived by his daughter, Kimberly Kay Baird, and son, James Scott Baird, both of Granite Falls; the mother of his children, Carol Greer Michael of Boone; sisters, Jean Duncan of Hickory, Shirlee Lee and husband, George, of Hannibal, MO, Marlene Mast and husband, Max, of Concord, and Marie Anderson and husband, Gary, of Vilas; and brothers, R. C. Baird and wife, Jackie, of Minnesota, Wayne Baird and wife, Barbara, of Conover, Larry Baird and wife, Janet, and Roger Baird and wife, Karen, all of Boone. Funeral services will be conducted Monday, January 15, at 2 oclock at the Austin & Barnes Funeral Chapel, officiated by Rev. Mike Townsend. The family will receive friends Monday from 1 until 2 oclock, prior to services, at Austin & Barnes. Graveside services will follow at Meat Camp Baptist Church Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Meat Camp Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, in care of Barry Greene, 527 Jack Hayes Rd., Boone, NC 28607. Online condolences may be shared at www.austinandbarnesfuneralhome.com Austin & Barnes Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the Baird family.