William Richard Laird

LTC (Ret.) William R. Laird, age 83, of Huntsville, AL passed away on Monday, July 12, 2021. He was born in Danville, NY on March 7, 1938, the son of the late Lute, Jr. and Lydia Owens Laird. "Bill" grew up in Waterloo, NY working on the family dairy farm. He graduated from Cornell University in 1960 and subsequently, was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S .Army. In 1962 stationed in the Panama Canal Zone, he met and married Nadia R. Mendieta. He attended US Army Aviation Flight School and became a pilot. His bravery and courage during several tours in Vietnam and the Middle East, earned him several medals during combat to include a Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars, Distinguished Flying Cross, Army Commendation Medal and the Legion of Merit Medal. He flew helicopters and fixed wing aircraft, ran many search and rescue missions, saving and helping anyone he could. In 1982 he served as the Airfield Commander and Flight Detachment Officer at Redstone Arsenal, AL. After serving more than 25 years, he retired with honors from service as a Master Aviator. Upon retiring from the Army, he was a faithful employee to Lowe's Home Improvement for over 10 years. He enjoyed woodworking and his dogs, Jake, Sasha, and Katie. He was always ready to help anyone in need--strangers, friends, and family. He will be remembered as a devoted and honorable husband, father, and friend.

LTC (Ret.) Laird is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nadia; daughters, Nikki (Stephen) Proozich of Huntsville, AL, Tammy (Hunter) Lollar of Tuscaloosa, AL; 4 grandchildren, Luke (Sarah) Lollar, Zoe Lollar, Alec Profozich, and Zachary Profozich; his brothers, Robert and James (Barbara) Laird of Waterloo, NY.

A Military Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Friday, July 16 at Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville, AL. Our pastor, Reverend Michael Calvert, of Christ Presbyterian will do the service. Pallbearers will be Stephen Profozich, Alec Profozich, James Profozich, Hunter Lollar, Luke Lollar, and Forrest Deason.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice.
 

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