William Lee “Billy” Laird Jr., son of the late Willie and Frances Laird, passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2023, in Abilene. He was the grandson of the late Thomas H. and Myrtle Taylor of Brownwood. Dr. Taylor was a longtime President of Howard Payne University. Billy graduated from Brownwood High School in 1960. He enjoyed working in the boat business and in real estate. He loved spending time with his family and friends and being on the lake and fishing.

Billy is survived by a daughter and son in law, Arla Kay Smith and Scott Smith, son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Lisa Laird of Horseshoe Bay, a sister and brother-in-law, Pam Shields Mann and her husband Eddie of Brownwood, two brothers and a sister-in-law, Jim and Donna Laird of Allen and Ronnie Laird of Brownwood, granddaughter Seslea Luna, granddaughter Saebra Louis and husband, granddaughter Taylor Laird, grandson Logan Laird and wife Kyndal of Plano and six great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son Arlie Berry and his first wife, Rita Agan Laird.

A graveside funeral service will be held at 11:30 AM, Monday, September 11, 2023, in the Rock Church Cemetery near Blanket.

Heartland Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Condolences, memories, and tributes can be offered to the Laird family online at heartlandfuneralhome.com