Richard "Rich" Edward Laird, 66, of Zebulon, passed away Friday afternoon, May 1, 2015 at Transitions LifeCare.

Born June 14, 1948, in Neptune, NJ, he was the son of the late George William Laird and Ethelyn Lumb-Laird. In addition to his brother, he is preceded in death by his brother, Robert Laird.

Rich is survived by his loving wife of 26 years, Pat Laird; sons, Richard Laird of Sanford, and Daniel Laird and his wife Melinda of Portsmouth, VA; step-son, Frank Iverson and his wife Robin of Clover, SC; daughter, Rebecca Laird of FL; step-daughter, Kim Musgrave of Freehold, NJ; 9 grandchildren, and 1 great-grandchild; brother, Bill Laird and his wife Sally of NJ, Jimmie Laird and wife Karen of St. Cloud, FL; sister, Ann Segrell and husband Bob of FL; and many nieces and nephews.

Rich was a retired bus driver, a volunteer fireman in New Jersey, a past commander of Lodge 50 SOL, and previously worked for search and rescue. Most recently he played softball with the "Men over 50" group, was a member of the Moose Lodge and active in the Red Cross. Rich was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who was known for his wicked sense of humor. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Rich's Life will be held 12:00 Noon, Sunday, May 10, 2015 at Montlawn Funeral Home Chapel. A repast will be held at the home of Pat Laird following the service. The family will receive friends from 11-12:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Flowers are welcome or donations can be made in memory of Rich to Transitions LifeCare, 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607. Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, NC. Condolences can be made at www.montlawn.com