George David Laird

December 5, 1945 - August 1, 2020

GEORGE DAVID LAIRD, 74, lost his battle for life on Saturday August 1, 2020, after sustaining extensive injuries in a motorcycle accident the previous Monday, in Tuscaloosa Alabama. George was doing something that he dearly loved….riding his bike on back country roads. George was a native of Port Arthur, Texas, growing up in Port Acres, graduating from Stephen F. Austin High School. He was a lifelong educator, starting his teaching career in 1968 with Port Arthur ISD. He continued teaching, but added coaching to his duties when he moved to Nederland ISD and then to Vidor ISD. His head football coaching career started with a stint at Bishop Byrne High School, followed by Vinton High School in Vinton Louisiana. After five years of coaching, he went into high school administration, which is where he found his true love of education. Through the years, he worked as Assistant Principal, then Principal at several different schools, but found his calling with Catholic School education. After receiving his Doctorate in Education, he stepped into Superintendent shoes, spending six years in the Chicago suburbs of Elgin, Illinois, and ultimately arriving in Houston, Texas where he was Assistant Superintendent for the ArchDiocese of Galveston/Houston. Upon retiring, he began teaching at the University of St. Thomas in Houston, where he continued teaching online courses after his move to Tuscaloosa in 2017 until his untimely death. George leaves behind his high school sweetheart bride of 53 years, Brenda Peltier Laird; son Robert & wife Gina Laird; daughter Brigette & husband Damon Evans; son Brian Laird; Grandchildren Ashton Evans, Rylan Laird, Andrew Evans, Samantha Evans, Reeve Laird. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, A.B. and Versey Laird, his brothers, Bo Laird, Max Laird, Jurl Laird, Leonard (Butch) Laird, Glen Laird and his sister Juanita Laird. George loved dancing, country music, jazz music and being around those he loved. He loved gardening, riding his bike, nurturing those around him, talking and passing time with friends OR strangers, but especially laughing with old high school buddies. Watching his three children make their way through life and watching his five Grandchildren grow and thrive was always his number one priority. Nothing brought a smile to his face like they did! He recently heard and adopted a statement made by Clint Eastwood, when asked about growing old….. He said, “I try REAL hard not to let the old man in!” Rest Peacefully, My Love, until we walk together again♥ A gathering of family and friends will be held at Melancon's Funeral Home on Friday, august 14, 2020 from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 14, 2020 at 9:30 a.m. at Melancon's Funeral Home with interment to follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Groves.