Bruce Birlond Baird

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully celebrated.
Bruce Birlond Baird, of Granbury, Texas, was born on September 27, 1955 to Briskel Birlond Baird and Barbara "Midge" Joan Lampa Baird in Pensacola, Florida, and passed away on January 7, 2026.
Bruce moved with his family to Mineral Wells, Texas, in the summer of 1959 when his father began working at Fort Walters, training helicopter pilots. He graduated from Mineral Wells High School in 1973, laying roots in a community that would remain close to his heart throughout his life. The older brother to Bonnie and Brian, Bruce's childhood was shaped by close relationships, strong family bonds, and a deep connection to both his immediate and extended family. Those early years were filled with meaningful traditions, shared experiences, and memories that reflected the love, support, and sense of belonging that would remain important to him throughout his life.
From a young age, Bruce knew he wanted to become a dentist, inspired by his admiration for his maternal grandfather, Papa Harry. That early calling shaped a life of service and leadership. He attended Tarleton State University on an ROTC scholarship and, upon graduating from dental school at the University Health Science Center at San Antonio, was commissioned as a Captain in the United States Army. Bruce served one year in Korea, three years at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, and four years in the U.S. Army Reserves, serving his country with honor and pride.
In 1984, Bruce and his family moved to Granbury, a decision that would shape the rest of his life and legacy. One weekend, while driving home to Mineral Wells, they passed through Granbury and were immediately drawn to the charm of the historic square. It felt welcoming, full of character, and full of possibility. When they discovered the perfect lot available across from the hospital, that sealed it. They knew they had found the community they wanted to build their lives in.
Bruce pursued his dream of opening a small-town dental practice, and in 1985, Granbury Dental Center opened its doors. From the very beginning, Bruce built more than a successful practice, he built a place rooted in trust, compassion, and genuine care for people. Over the course of his remarkable career as a dentist and entrepreneur, Bruce made a profound impact not only through his exceptional clinical skill, but through the way he treated every patient and team member. He believed dentistry was always about people first, listening, earning trust, and changing lives one smile at a time. The many individuals who worked alongside him or were mentored by him were deeply shaped by his leadership, encouragement, and example. Bruce had a rare gift for making others feel seen and valued, and his legacy continues today through the incredible practice of Granbury Dental Center, which has served the community he loved for more than 40 years, as well as through the lives he touched, the professionals he helped shape, and the enduring standard of care, compassion, and integrity he modeled every day.
Never content to keep his knowledge to himself, Bruce generously shared his expertise with dental and medical professionals across the country and around the world. In the early 1990s, he published a technical dentistry book that showcased his depth of clinical knowledge and innovative thinking. In the late 1990s, he hosted a local television show on Channel 97 titled Tooth Talk, where he highlighted everyday life inside the dental center and helped make dentistry approachable and accessible to the community. Building on that foundation, he founded the Productive Dentist Academy in 2004, an organization dedicated to teaching, mentoring, and equipping dentists to build strong, ethical, and successful practices, always guided by the philosophy of "doing good while doing good." In 2022, he authored Legendary Leadership, a book on how ordinary people can become uncommon leaders. Through this work, along with hosting The Productive Dentist podcast and authoring hundreds of articles, Bruce became a trusted voice in the profession, sharing his insights at conferences and seminars worldwide. His influence extended far beyond his own practice, shaping countless careers and elevating the profession he loved. Known and respected across the world, Bruce's absence will be deeply felt, but his legacy of excellence, generosity, and leadership will endure.
Outside of work, Bruce found great joy on the golf course, delighting in the opportunity to explore courses around the world, regardless of how he happened to be playing that day. What drew him to the game wasn't just the sport itself, but the friendships forged, punching out of the trees, putting on the greens, and sharing laughs along the way. His favorite outing was playing with his buddies in the "dot game," a tradition full of camaraderie and friendly competition. For nearly 20 years, he and his friends also made an annual pilgrimage to Pebble Beach, a trip he treasured as much for the company as for the course itself. He also loved to travel and took special pride in planning meaningful trips for his family and friends, creating memories that will be cherished forever.
Bruce loved sports and could often be found coaching his children's teams throughout their childhood, proudly cheering from the sidelines, sometimes yelling at officials when he didn't agree with a call, but always leading with love and encouragement. He was a devoted fan and season ticket holder of the Texas Rangers and Dallas Cowboys, remaining loyal through winning seasons and losing years alike. His relationship with the Lord was an integral part of his life and shaped how he loved others and viewed the world. Although he had been baptized as a child, his experience at Walk to Emmaus in 1998 profoundly deepened and reenergized his faith, giving him renewed clarity and purpose. His faith guided his actions, strengthened his compassion, and anchored the way he approached each day, influencing not only how he treated others but how he lived fully and intentionally.
Bruce was a devoted and deeply loving father, and his girls were truly the pride and joy of his life. He was endlessly proud of all they accomplished and of the beautiful lives they built. In addition to his four daughters, Bruce was a father figure to so many, loving generously and wholeheartedly, embracing each one as his own. His love was big, steady, and unwavering, and those who knew him felt it in the way he showed up, supported, and celebrated them.
Bruce was a devoted and loving husband to his wife, Cynthia, the love of his life and the center of his world. Together, they embraced a life full of adventure, shared laughter, and countless cherished memories. Their children and grandchildren were a constant source of joy and pride, and their family was at the heart of everything they did. Lovingly called "Doc" by his grandchildren, he delighted in every moment with them, attending their games, school functions, and celebrations, making them laugh, sharing advice, and imparting his wisdom with love and encouragement. His guidance and playful spirit left a lasting impact on his family.
Bruce was known for his unmistakable, larger-than-life charisma, his boundless energy, and the warmth he brought into every room. His sense of humor and playful spirit made people laugh, and his generosity knew no bounds. He was always willing to help anyone in need, quietly, humbly, and without expectation of recognition. Yet even with his vibrant personality, he never dimmed the light of those around him; he encouraged, inspired, and lifted everyone he encountered. Bruce leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, and a life fully lived. He impacted countless people, always wanting more for everyone, encouraging them to dream bigger, live fuller, and love deeper. He truly squeezed every ounce out of life, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know him.
Bruce is preceded in death by his father Briskel Birlond Baird Jr. and his mother Barbara "Midge" Joan Lampa Baird Cundiff.
He is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia Baird, his daughters Amanda Rodgers and son-in-law Ryan, Maggie Walton and son-in-law Griffin, Mallory Merrill and son-in-law Charles, and Micah Baird; and his stepchildren Brandon McGraw and daughter-in-law Cortney, and Amanda Brown and son-in-law Charles. He was a proud grandfather to Cooper and Collins Rodgers; Baird, Sawyer, and Graham Walton; Molly and Jojo Merrill; Miles and Clara McGraw; Skylar, Sloan, and Elijah Brown; and Brady Eccles.
He is also survived by his step-mother Judy Buchanan, his sister Bonnie Furner and brother-in-law Paul Furner, along with their children Bryna Nation and Luke Furner; and his brother Bryan Baird and sister-in-law Robin Baird, along with their children Dalton Baird and Bradon Baird.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Paluxy River Children's Advocacy Center, a cause that was close to Bruce's heart. Donations can be sent to 1540 Southtown Dr. Suite 103, Granbury, TX 76048, online at https://secure.qgiv.com/for/paluxyriverchildrensadvocacycenter/, or Venmo @paluxyriver-cac.
Service Information: A visitation will be held Monday, January 12, 2026, at StoneWater Church from 9:30–11:00 a.m., followed by a Celebration of Life at 11:00 a.m