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Mr. Richard (Dick) Lucas Baird, Sr. died peacefully on November 13, 2016, after living 91 vigorous and happy years. He was born Jan. 25, 1925 in Darlington county, S. C. His grandfather, Dr. Andrew Tazewell Baird introduced the Baird name to the Pee Dee when he moved from Louisiana to open a medical practice in Darlington county and to marry Carie McIver Williams, granddaughter of S.C. Governor David Rogerson Williams in the late 1800’s. They had 2 children, Andrew, Jr, and Lucas. Dick was predeceased by his parents Andrew Tazewell Baird, Jr. and Daisy Bryant Baird and two brothers, Andrew Tazewell Baird III and Edward Williams Baird. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Michal Millen; their children Richard (Dick) Jr. and his wife Diane; Michal and husband Jim Brown; Susan and husband David Poulnot; and David and his wife, Becky, and eleven grandchildren: Luke, Taz and Rosemary Baird; Baker Brown; David, James and Hannah Poulnot; and Wills, Janie, Becca and Henry “Boo” Baird, as well as numerous special nieces and nephews. Dick grew up in Darlington. He graduated from St. John’s High School and then attended Clemson College. His studies in agronomy were interrupted by World War II, where he served in the Army Air Corps. Upon completion of his service, Dick returned to Clemson and graduated in 1949. The Clemson football team was undefeated in his senior year. He loved his God, his family, the soil and his Clemson Tigers. He also loved to entertain listeners with his stories of Darlington’s past and the colorful characters that inhabited it. He was also known for his wit and directness. Dick and his wife Michal enjoyed hosting the Taste of Society Hill at their home, Japonica Hall, for many years. The family welcomes visitors to Japonica Hall at 548 S. Main St. in Society Hill on Friday, November 18, 2016, at 4pm (until) to celebrate Dick’s wonderful life. Funeral services will be held at St. David’s Anglican Church in Cheraw on Saturday, November 19, 2016, at 11am with internment to follow at Black Creek Cemetery. Brown-Pennington-Atkins Funeral Home is serving the Baird family. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Clemson University Foundation for the Richard L. Baird, ’49 College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences Student Enrichment Endowment to P.O. Box 1889, Clemson, South Carolina 29633.

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Mr. Richard "Dick" Lucas Baird Sr.

January 1, 1925 - November 13, 2016