Melvin Thomas Baird

Melvin Thomas Baird, 89, passed away on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at the NC State Veterans Home.

A native of Buncombe Co., Melvin was a son of the late Thomas and Lillian Gragg Baird. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Charlene Putnam Baird, who died in 2010.

Mr. Baird proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force. He also served his local communities on the Hominy Valley Fire Auxiliary, the Volunteer Fire and Police Departments of Weaverville, and with Habitat for Humanity. In his spare time, he loved camping, gardening, and woodworking. He was a member of Piney Mountain United Methodist Church.

He is survived by his daughters, Karen Broyles (Mike) and Janet Rendon (Anthony); son, Thomas Baird; special friend, Kitty O’Kelley; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

The graveside service will be held at Ashelawn Gardens of Memory at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday. Rev. Kevin Bates will officiate.

His family will receive friends from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday at Groce Funeral Home on Patton Ave. prior to traveling in procession to the cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Veterans Restoration Quarters, c/o ABCCM, 20 Twentieth St., Asheville, NC 28806.