Remembering Dr. Gary Laird

Saturday hundreds turned out to pay tribute to Avalon Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Gary Laird. Laird, an avid motorcyclist and community volunteer, died on March 6 from injuries he suffered in an accident in Pensacola when his motorcycle struck a vehicle that pulled in front of him on Highway 90. Laird was a very active volunteer with Family Promise of Santa Rosa County, the Christain Motorcyclists Assocation, Santa Rosa Baptist Association, and United Way of Santa Rosa County just to name a few.

The number of lives Bro. Gary, as he was affectionately known, had touched was evident with around 500 motorcyclists alone turning out to pay their final respects to the beloved pastor, volunteer, and humanitarian. Milton Mayor Guy Thompson had these comments about Bro. Gary, who he knew from his time at Milton First Baptist Church as well as service with the United Way.

“Gary (Dr. Laird) was very active in his community. He was on the Board of Directors of the United Way for many years and was an active director when he passed away. He served commendably in various capacities on the United Way board, and his participation and contribution will be sorely missed there (on the board),” Thompson said. “But I’ve also known Gary outside the professional arena. I was associated with him at First Baptist Church (of Milton) where he served as Minister of Education for many years prior to his call as Pastor of Avalon Baptist Church.

“As I said, he had an excellent community spirit and outlook, and his energy often made the difference in changing a dull gathering to an exciting event. He was just that kind of person. And I’ll tell you what: he will be remembered long past the current shock of his tragic accident.”