In the early hours of December 24, 2024, Duel Everett Laird passed away after a long battle with Parkinson's disease. He was born Wednesday, December 10, 1941 in Tylertown, MS to the late Houston Virgil (HV) Laird and Jessie Lou Hathorn Laird.

Duel spent his life immersed in the auto industry. He loved hunting, especially turkey and quail, fishing and music. He led music for many years at Kokomo Baptist Church and Knoxo Baptist Church. He was a member of Tylertown Baptist Church where he loved singing in the choir. He also served his country for 10 years in the Army National Guard.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 28 at Capps Funeral Home. Visitation will be from 9 until services beginning at 11 am. Interment will follow at Knoxo Cemetery.

In addition to his parents , Duel is preceded in death by his brothers Dorroh Laird, Dalton Laird, and sister Daphne Laird Levin.

Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Alma Stafford Laird; his children Melissa Laird Dillon (Andy) and Duel Everett Laird, Jr. (Brook); one brother, Dr. Dorman Laird (Henrietta); grandchildren, Montgomery Dillon, Makinley Dillon, Tate Laird and Hattie Laird; along with a host of nephews, nieces and close friends.

Pallbearers are Mike Laird, Kenneth Laird, Jessie Laird, Dr. Jason Strange, Jim Ingram, Jace Laird, Kevin Myers and Clay Sumrall. Honorary Pallbearers are Chris Mitchell, Bill Goldman, and the Corporate Sunday School class of Tylertown Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in memory of Duel Laird to Tylertown Baptist Church.