Byron Ross Baird

1936 - 2024

Byron Ross Baird

March 30, 1936 - September 8, 2024

Fort Worth, Texas - Byron Ross Baird, 88, beloved son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend to many, passed peacefully in his home, Sunday, September 8, 2024.

MEMORIAL SERVICE - A memorial service will be held at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 18, 2024, in Greenwood's Live Oak Chapel at 3100 White Settlement Rd., Fort Worth, Texas 76107; followed by a reception in Greenwood's Live Oak Room.

MEMORIALS - In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, Methodist Justice Ministry of First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth, or the YMCA of Metropolitan Fort Worth.

Byron was born on March 30, 1936, to Flora Adele Massey and C.B. Baird in Fort Worth, the second of two sons. He was also a grandchild of Ninnie L. Baird, the founder of Mrs. Baird's Bakery. Byron attended Lily B. Clayton, W.P. McLean, and graduated from R.L. Paschal High School where he began dating his high school sweetheart, Marilyn Slaughter. Marilyn and Byron were married for 68 loving years.

His interest in electronics led him to the University of Texas at Austin where he graduated in 1959 with his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering. While living in Austin, Marilyn and Byron had their first son, Byron Ross Baird, Jr. Following graduation, the couple moved back home to Fort Worth where they had their second son, Steven Frank Baird.

After his return home to Fort Worth, he began working for the family business. He worked for the bakery in a variety of jobs including Project Engineer for the construction of the South Freeway plant and later became the manager of that facility. Byron went on to receive his MBA from University of North Texas in 1978. He was active in the industry serving in the American Bakers Association, President of the American Society of Baking in Chicago and served as President of the Dallas Risk Insurance Management Society. He was elected to the Board of Directors for Mrs. Baird's Bakeries and later became Chairman of the Board. The company was sold in 1998 and he retired in 1999. The Ninnie L. Baird Foundation formed in 1997 where he served as President and supported many charities throughout the State of Texas.

Byron always devoted time to community service, serving on many boards while working after retirement. He served on the Southwest YMCA Board, Day Care Association of Fort Worth, UNT College of Business Advisory Board, UNT President's Council, First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth Foundation, Cook Children's Medical Center Board, and Chairman of the YMCA Endowment Board. He received a variety of recognitions such as the Distinguished Alumnus Award from UNT, Sales Marketing of Fort Worth Executive Award, Texas Business Hall of Fame, as well as many others. He was also a long standing member of the Inquirers Sunday School Class at First United Methodist Church of Fort Worth.

His interests included skiing, particularly at his home in Breckenridge, Colorado with family and friends, as well as fishing, golfing, and love for all wildlife.

Byron was a true servant to The Lord. He was hardworking, kind, generous, and always devoted to helping others. He left an enormous legacy and will be greatly missed by many.

The family wishes to extend deep gratitude to the staff of Comfort Keepers.

Byron was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, C.B. Baird, Jr.

He is survived by his wife, Marilyn; his children, Byron Ross Baird, Jr. and his wife, Donna, Steven Frank Baird and his wife, Len; his grandchildren, Clinton Ross Baird, April Michelle Standifer and husband, Jason, Melissa Len Baird, Frances Kathleen Young and husband, Marshall, William Steven Baird; his great-grandchildren, Rhylie Eloise Standifer, Sawyer Dudley Standifer, Tyler Grayson Standifer, Peyton Ninnie Standifer, Mae Len Riddlesperger, and Marshall Ralph Young III.