Dr. J. Laird

Dr. J. T. Laird passed away Friday, July 20, 2018, at the age of 84. A fifth generation Mississippian, Dr. Laird was born in Jackson, MS on April 16, 1934, to Mr. and Mrs. Albert G. Laird. As the only child, he had a special bond with his parents and was loved dearly by a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Dr. Laird attended Pearl High School where he graduated with the school’s first senior class. He lettered in football and basketball, was the president of the Beta Club, and was voted Most Handsome and Mr. Pearl High School. He received his BS from Mississippi College. He later received his MDiv and DMin from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans. He worked for Armstrong World Industries for more than forty years.

Dr. Laird loved the outdoors. As a young man, he enjoyed swimming and diving. He also loved golfing, boating, hunting and hiking. He spent many hours working on the family homeplace in Simpson County. He was a great traveler possessing a special fondness for our country’s national parks.

Dr. Laird was a charter member of McLaurin Heights Baptist Church. He served as deacon, RA leader, Sunday School director and teacher. His men’s Sunday School class was a favorite of many church members. He was called to the ministry and was ordained as a Baptist minister in 1989.  He served as the pastor of Andrew Chapel Baptist Church in Brandon for more than twenty years. He was associate pastor at Antioch Baptist Church at the time of his passing.

Dr. Laird leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Jo Ann; two daughters, Robin Miles and Ruth (Mark) Ulrich; a grandson, Adam (Nikki) Miles and a granddaughter, Laura Elisabeth Ulrich. He will be especially missed by his great grandson Colton Brantley Miles.

Services will be held at Ott and Lee Funeral Home on Monday, July 23. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. with a celebration of life beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at Antioch Baptist Church in Florence, MS.