David L. Laird, Jr., 76, of Columbia, passed away May 10, 2016. Born in Newberry, SC on November 25, 1939, he was a son of the late David L. Laird, Sr., and Brunell Carter Laird. David was a graduate of Newberry High School, and a 1962 graduate of Newberry College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics. After college, he served for two years in the US Army as a military policeman, attached to the 82nd Airborne Division. David was a member of Amity Masonic Lodge and the Hejaz and Jamil Shrine Temples, serving 23 years as Secretary-Recorder. He began his career at the SC Employment Security Commission in 1969. David served as Director of the Labor Market Information Division, and then Director of Veterans Service at the time of his retirement in 2006. David loved people, family, and his home in the mountains. He was a devoted Clemson Tiger fan, never missing a game for 23 years.

David is survived by his wife, Libby; son, David Laird (Shelley); daughter, Kim Young (Joe); grandchildren, Brian Laird, John Huckabee, and Caitlin, Madison, and Grayson Young; and sister, Mary Laird of Charleston. He was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Kopczyinski, and brother, William Laird.

A funeral service will be held at two o'clock, Friday, May 13th, at Ashland United Methodist Church, 2600 Ashland Road, Columbia, with Rev. Dr. Jim Nates officiating. Interment will follow in Bush River Memorial Gardens. The family will receive from 5 until 7 o'clock, Thursday, at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, 5202 Colonial Drive, Columbia. Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 950 W. Fairs, Road, Greenville, SC 29605.