DARWIN W. BAIRD

MANNING - Darwin Wilbern "Will" Baird, 94, died on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, at NHC of Charleston. He was the husband of Frances Elizabeth Corbett Baird, who passed away from a broken heart three days after his death.

Born on Sept. 13, 1923, in Turbeville, he was a son of the late Raleigh Lorraine Baird and Ethel Corbett Baird. During World War II, he served with the U.S. Naval Air Force until December 1945. Will had a career in the insurance business that lasted 28 years with Public Savings Life Insurance Co. of Charleston, where he served as vice president of the agency and district manager. After retiring from PSL, he loved playing golf and played until his health prevented. He held many close friends among the golfers. He was a member of Manning United Methodist Church and the Margaret Jones Gamble Sunday school class.

He is survived by a daughter, Debra Sottile (Mike Dixon) of Charleston; seven grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Lila Wingard of Turbeville; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sons, infant Eddie Allen Baird, Dane Edward Baird and William Donald Baird; a granddaughter, Kristen Leigh Sottile Graf; and four brothers, Clyde Baird, Herman Baird, Mark Baird and Cecil Baird.

A graveside service for Will and Frances will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday at Turbeville Southern Methodist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Eddie Andrew officiating.

Visitation will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. today at the residence, 1682 Heritage Drive, Manning.

Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org