Wade Raiford (Ray) Laird, Jr. passed away on November 3, 2023 at the age of 82.   Ray spent his youth in Port Arthur, Texas, where he graduated from Thomas Jefferson High School in 1959.  Ray was raised in the family businesses and spent the majority of his career in residential and commercial construction.  Following an injury, Ray used his carpentry skills to build furniture and sold his pieces, along with fruits and vegetables, from a store he built on the family property in Reagan, TX.  In addition to woodworking and gardening, Ray enjoyed watching sports, and going to car racing events in particular.  In 2006 Ray met Judy Ryan, and they were companions until his passing.  In Judy, Ray found a person who was patient and kind but would still push him to be a better person.  

Ray was preceded in death by his parents, Wade Raiford Laird and Willie Mae Zampini Laird, and son Charles Patrick Laird.  

Ray is survived by his long-time companion, Judy Ryan, his sisters, Jody Phillips and Sue Raborn, his brother Bill Laird, sons Jeff Laird and Steven Gemme and several grand-children.   

A gathering of friends and family will be held from 1:00 pm  to 3:00 pm on November 21, 2023 at the Reagan Community Center, 118 CR 234, Reagan, TX 76680.  In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Reagan Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 118, Reagan, TX 76680.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/wade-laird-jr/obituary/

Copy