Albert Walker Baird

Albert Walker Baird, age 96, of Franklin, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on March 30, 2026.

Al was preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Elese Addean Stinson Baird; his sister, Kathryn Baird Chaffin; his daughter-in-law, Jeanee Wood Baird; and his parents, Ollie Walker and Nola Anderson Baird.

He is survived by his daughter, Diane (David) Benson; his son, David Baird; his granddaughters, Tyler (Daniel) Krikorian and Bailey Benson; his great-granddaughters, Kennedy and Campbell Krikorian; and his niece, Melissa (Douglas) Hunter.

Al was born in Centerville, Tennessee, in Hickman County, and grew up in Maury County. On his 18th birthday, he joined the Air Force to help support his mother after his father passed away. He spent 26½ years in the Air Force, retiring as a Chief Master Sergeant. During his time in the military, he served in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars. Among his collection of military medals and ribbons were two Meritorious Service Awards.

While stationed in Tennessee, Texas, and Ankara, Turkey, he achieved multiple championship titles playing softball as the Air Force’s pitcher. For the last four years of his service, he was stationed at Langley Air Force Base in Virginia on the Air Force Inspector General Team.

Upon retiring from service, he returned to Tennessee, where he ran the Home Management Company for Haury and Smith. He took up golf, painting, bridge, bowling, and RVing. He and his wife, Elese, maintained their love of adventure and travel, covering most of the United States while staying in RV resorts.

Al was skilled at whatever he chose to do. He loved his family deeply. He was generous, intelligent, kind, loving, appreciative, uplifting, and witty. He will be greatly missed.

A special thanks to the NHC Cool Springs rehabilitation floor staff and the 2nd Floor Skilled Nursing staff for your excellent and compassionate care of Al over the past nine months. To Den Ellen of Caris, thank you for your gentle guidance at the end of his life.