Kenneth Lee Baird Jr.

Kenneth Lee Baird, Jr. stepped peacefully into the arms of his Savior on April 5, 2026, at 9:10 a.m., at his home in Centerville, Tennessee, surrounded by his loving family. He was 69 years old. Kenneth was born on September 21, 1956, in Pico Rivera, California, to the late Kenneth Lee Baird, Sr. and Florilla Smith Baird. From a young age, Kenneth dedicated his life to the pipeline industry, beginning his career working on pump jacks alongside his great-grandfather, Earl. Through hard work, determination, and a deep understanding of his trade, he advanced to become an X-ray technician, then a Certified Welding Inspector, and ultimately a Chief Inspector. For over 30 years, he worked as a third-party Chief Inspector in the heavy industrial oil and gas industry. His work spanned plate mills, pipe mills, coal-fired power plants, pipelines, and compression station construction and maintenance. Kenneth’s career took him across the United States and around the world, though his greatest passion was offshore work—what he fondly called “being on the pond.” Kenneth retired from offshore work after meeting the love of his life, Karen. The two shared 24 wonderful years together, traveling and working side by side after he hired her as his office manager. He fully retired from the pipeline industry in 2022 due to declining health. He was preceded in death by his parents; his stepmother, Gloria Baird; his brother, David Baird; his granddaughter, Emma Rosella; his stepson, Johnny Schneider; his grandparents, George and Beatrice Baird; and his great-grandparents, Earl and Ula Sisco, whom he often credited as the foundation of the man he became. He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law, Roger Deerfield. Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife, Karen Himes Baird; his daughter, Krista Carney of Oklahoma; his sons, Eric Casey, Nick Baird, Alex Baird (Megan) of Memphis, Tennessee, and Chas Miller (Angela) of Linden, Tennessee; and his special daughters, Alisha Pollard and Megan Grigsby. He is also lovingly remembered by his grandchildren, Genna Casey, Oliver Grigsby, Rylie Baird, Jackson Moore (Tatum), Jerry Schneider, and Alexis Schneider. Kenneth held a special place in his heart for his dedicated caregivers, Brandy Blodgett, Destiny Key, and Jo Akerman, whose kindness and compassion meant so much to him and his family. He will be deeply missed by his many pipeline brothers, the countless friends he made along the way, his Hope Center family, and all of his beloved animals. Kenneth will be remembered for his strong work ethic, adventurous spirit, and the deep love he had for his family and friends.

Kenneth Lee Baird Jr.

September 21, 1956 - April 5, 2026