Darby Eugene Baird's Obituary
Graveside Service for Mr. Darby Eugene Baird, 82, of Goodwater, will be Friday, October 27, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Socopatoy Cemetery18610 AL Hwy 9, Goodwater, AL 35072. Rev. Mike Jackson will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 27, 2023 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Radney Funeral Home.
Darby Eugene Baird, or as most folks knew him, Gene, was born on a chilly winter's day on December 2nd, 1940 in Goodwater, Alabama. He continued his life-long love affair with the town, and passed away there on October 25th, 2023. Gene was a man who wore many hats - son, brother, husband, uncle, accountant and prankster extraordinaire. His sense of humor was as infectious as his love for his hometown.
Gene grew up in a bustling household with his parents, Troy Darby Baird and Flora Irene Baird and his brother James Robert Baird and wife Linda. His family tree branched out with his marriage to Nettie Faye Baird, and grew to include his brother and sister-in-law, Bruce Graham and wife Linda and Jan Forbus and husband Fred, and his brother-in-law, David Railey. He was a beloved uncle to a host of nieces and nephews, who will remember him as the fun uncle who always had a prank up his sleeve. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in law Diane Railey.
Gene's love for his family was only rivaled by his love for numbers. After graduating from Reynolds Business College, he spent his career as an accountant for Madix. He was the guy you wanted on your side during tax season, and the one you wanted to avoid on April Fool's Day. His knack for number-crunching was only surpassed by his ability to make people laugh.
Outside the office, Gene was the epitome of an outdoorsman. Whether it was deer hunting, coon hunting, or fishing, he was always up for an adventure. His love for the outdoors was only matched by his love for the beach. He was known to pack up his truck and hit the road at a moment's notice, always ready for a new adventure. If you didn't find him in the woods or by the water, you'd likely find him planning his next prank. A true jester at heart, Gene's antics kept everyone on their toes and filled their lives with laughter.
Gene was a funny man, but his humor was far from his only attribute. He was adventurous, never passing up an opportunity to explore the great outdoors or embark on a spontaneous road trip. He was also handy, always ready to lend a hand or fix a problem. He was the kind of guy who could change a flat tire in the rain, fix a leaky faucet, and still have time to rig a bucket of water over the door for an unsuspecting victim.
Gene's life was a testament to the joy of laughter, the thrill of adventure, and the satisfaction of a prank well-played. His legacy will live on in the hearty laughs, the shared stories, and the playful pranks of those who loved him. While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his life, remembering him as the man who taught us to find humor in every situation and to never pass up an opportunity for a good laugh.
So here's to Darby Eugene 'Gene' Baird, a man of many names and many talents. A beloved family member, a trusted accountant, and a prankster who kept us laughing. His stories, his laughter, and his love for life will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. As we say goodbye, let's remember him as he would have wanted - with a smile on our faces and a prank in our hearts.
The family requests no flowers and memorial contributions may be made to the Socaptoy Cemetery Association c/o Pat Minor
Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
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