Obituaries
Darby Eugene Baird
Graveside service for Mr. Darby Eugene Baird, 82, of Goodwater, will be Friday, October 27, 2023, at 11 a.m. at the Socapatoy Cemetery. Rev. Mike Jackson will officiate. The family will receive friends on Friday, October 27, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at Radney Funeral Home.
Darby Eugene Baird; or as most folks knew him, Gene; was born on a chilly winter’s day on December 2, 1940, in Goodwater. He continued his life-long love affair with the town, and passed away there on October 25, 2023. Gene was a man who wore many hats – son, brother, husband, uncle, accountant, and prankster extraordinaire. His sense of humor was as infectious as his love for his hometown.
Gene grew up in a bustling household with his parents, Troy Darby Baird and Flora Irene Baird, and his brother, James Robert Baird, and wife, Linda. His family tree branched out with his marriage to Nettie Faye Baird, and grew to include his brother and sister-in-law, Bruce Graham and wife, Linda, and Jan Forbus and husband, Fred, and his brother-in-law, David Railey. He was a beloved uncle to a host of nieces and nephews, who will remember him as the fun uncle who always had a prank up his sleeve. He was preceded in death by his parents and sister-in law Diane Railey.
Gene’s love for his family was only rivaled by his love for numbers. After graduating from Reynolds Business College, he spent his career as an accountant for Madix. He was the guy you wanted on your side during tax season, and the one you wanted to avoid on April Fool’s Day. His knack for number-crunching was only surpassed by his ability to make people laugh.
Outside the office, Gene was the epitome of an outdoorsman. Whether it was deer hunting, coon hunting, or fishing, he was always up for an adventure. His love for the outdoors was only matched by his love for the beach. He was known to pack up his truck and hit the road at a moment’s notice, always ready for a new adventure. If you didn’t find him in the woods or by the water, you’d likely find him planning his next prank. A true jester at heart, Gene’s antics kept everyone on their toes and filled their lives with laughter.
Gene was a funny man, but his humor was far from his only attribute. He was adventurous, never passing up an opportunity to explore the great outdoors or embark on a spontaneous road trip. He was also handy, always ready to lend a hand or fix a problem. He was the kind of guy who could change a flat tire in the rain, fix a leaky faucet, and still have time to rig a bucket of water over the door for an unsuspecting victim.
Gene’s life was a testament to the joy of laughter, the thrill of adventure, and the satisfaction of a prank well-played. His legacy will live on in the hearty laughs, the shared stories, and the playful pranks of those who loved him. While we mourn his passing, we also celebrate his life, remembering him as the man who taught us to find humor in every situation and to never pass up an opportunity for a good laugh.
So here’s to Darby Eugene “Gene” Baird, a man of many names and many talents. A beloved family member, a trusted accountant, and a prankster who kept us laughing. His stories, his laughter, and his love for life will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. As we say goodbye, let’s remember him as he would have wanted – with a smile on our faces and a prank in our hearts.
The family requests no flowers, and memorial contributions may be made to the Socaptoy Cemetery Association c/o Pat Minor.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Betty Henderson
Funeral service for Mrs. Betty Henderson, 79, of Kellyton, was Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the Chapel of Radney Funeral Home. Rev. Roger Green officiated. Burial followed in the Kellyton Memory Garden.
Mrs. Henderson passed away on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at her residence. She was born on November 13, 1943, in Murry Cross, Alabama, to Joe Doegg and Lucy Prater Doegg. She was a member of Family Worship Center. She loved to cook, work in her garden, and go fishing. Betty enjoyed going dirt track racing when she was younger. She was a kind person who was always willing to lend a helping hand.
She is survived by her grandchild that she raised, Billy D. Henderson (Tena) of Kellyton; daughter, Vicki Nelson; grandchild, Lindsay Nelson of Birmingham; great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn Henderson Peters (Landon) of Alexander City, Ethan Henderson of Kellyton, and Carli Martin of Alexander City; sister-in-law, Patsy Cole (James) of Notasulga; brother-in-law, George Henderson of Alexander City; special nieces, Pattie McLain (Jimbo) of Weogufka and Kay Harris (Frank) of Newnan, Georgia; special friend, Mary Tarrant of Panama City, Florida; and many other nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Billy Ray Henderson; grandchild, Emily Nelson; great-grandchild, Camden Nelson; and 11 brothers and sisters.
Memories and condolences may be shared at www.radneyfuneralhome.com.
Radney Funeral Home is honored to serve the Henderson family.