Raymond R. BAIRD (1913- )

HOUSE, 79th, 80th, 81st and 83rd General Assemblies, 1955-1961, 1963-65; representing Roane County; Senate, 82nd, 84th, 85th, and 86th General Assemblies, 1961-63, 1965-71; representing Roane, Anderson, Knox, and Loudon counties in 82nd; Roane, Anderson, Rhea in 84th; and Roane, Anderson, and Meigs counties in 85th and 86th; Democrat. Born at Jellico, Campbell County, July 6, 1913; son of Orlando L. and Alice (GALLOWAY) BAIRD. Attended elementary schools in Texas and Tennessee; secondary school at Lincoln Memorial University, Harrogate, Claiborne County; Hiwassee College, Madisonville, Monroe County, 1933; East Tennessee State College, Johnson City, Washington County, 1935. Married at Madisonville Nov. 25, 1937 to Louise CAGLE, daughter of John Raymond and Josie (WHITE) CAGLE; children--Raymond R., Jr., and Nancy Louise. Editor, Sweetwater News, Monroe County, 1938-41; editor and publisher Rockwood Times, Roane County, since 1941; security investigator for U.S. Civil Service Commission, 1952-53. Member Roane County Democratic Executive Committee; secretary county Democratic Primary Election Commission. In World War II; entered service at Fort Olgethorpe, Ga., Nov. 26, 1944; Sgt., 81st (Wildcat) Inf. Div.; served in Southwest Pacific, including Southern Philippines liberation campaign; Japan; separated from service at Fort Sheridan, Ill., Oct. 26, 1946; departed for overseas service June 17, 1945, returning Aug. 30, 1946; awarded: Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star; Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Battle Star; Victory Metal; Good Conduct Medal. Member American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars; La Societe es 40 Hommes et 8 Chevaux; Member and Sunday School teacher in First Baptist Church, Rockwood; member Free and Accepted Masons, Rockwood Lodge No. 403, Scottish Rite; Order of the Mystic Shrine; Roane Shrine Club; Knights of Pythias, Oak Leaf Lodge No. 49; Business Men's Club; president Rockwood Better Streets Club; Junior Chamber of Commerce. Business address (1969), 115 E. Rockwood Street; residence, 132 Kingston Avenue, Rockwood. Grandson of Caldin Russell BAIRD, sometime member Tenn. General Assembly.

Sources: Information supplied by self, Feb. 26, 1957, and by Tenn. War Records Bureau; information card, Tenn. Legislator Council; Tenn. Blue Book, 1969-70, p. 16.

From: Biographical Directory, Tennessee General Assembly, 1796-1969, Roane County, Tennessee State Library and Archives.