LAIRD WILLIAM R

LTC William R Laird was a potential VHPA member who died after his tour in Vietnam on 07/12/2021 at the age of 83.3
Huntsville, AL
Date of Birth 03/07/1938
Served in the U.S. Army
This information was provided by Sammie Williams - Obit

More detail on this person: HUNTSVILLE, Ala./WATERLOO - LTC. (Ret.) William R. Laird, age 83, of Huntsville, Ala., passed away Monday (July 12, 2021). A Military Graveside Service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday (July 16) in Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville, Ala. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Hospice of North Alabama. He was born in Dansville, N.Y. on March 7, 1938, the son of the late Lute, Jr. and Lydia Owens Laird. "Bill" grew up in Waterloo, N.Y. 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, while 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 two tours of the Vietnam War earned him several medals during combat to include a Silver Star, two 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, Ala. 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) Profozich of Huntsville, Ala. and Tammy (Hunter) Lollar of Tuscaloosa, Ala.; four grandchildren Luke (Sarah) Lollar, Zoe Lollar, Alec Profozich and Zachary Profozich; as well as his brothers Robert and James (Barbara) Laird of Waterloo, N.Y. . Published by Finger Lakes Times from Aug. 3 to Aug. 6, 2021.

Burial information: Maple Hill Cemetery, Huntsville, AL

This information was last updated 08/10/2021

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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024