Jesse B. Aird Iii

Jesse B. Aird, III passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, October 19, 2023 at the age of 84. He was born on April 25, 1939 in Leesburg, Va to Jesse B. and Carrie M. Aird, Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Mary Ellen Aird. Jesse moved to Roanoke, VA in 1950 and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1957. He joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in 1956 and proudly served his country as a U.S. Marine until 1961. Anyone who knew Jesse, knew he was a Marine to his core. His faithfulness to his country and to the corps ran deep, and the brotherhood he shared with fellow Marines lasted throughout his life. He was a graduate of Virginia Western Community College where he earned an Associate Degree in Engineering and began a twenty-six-and-a-half-year career with American Electric Power. After retiring and not wanting to be idle, he began a ten-year career with Truck Enterprises before retiring a final time.

Jesse is survived by his immediate family members including his brothers; Charles L. Aird and wife, Donna; Philip L. Aird and wife, Suzie; and sister, Linda Aird. Jesse was also preceded in death by the love of his life, A. Marie Aird who passed away on July 26, 2023. Their love was like none other, and they shared sixty wonderful years together before her passing. Jesse simply adored his "pumpkin," and he provided a life of comfort and great adventure for both of them. She was as beautiful to him after sixty years of marriage as she was the day he met her, and he did not hesitate to tell her so. They were nearly inseparable, and their love was playful, genuine, and long lasting. They enjoyed camping and traveled across the country several times making new friends at every stop. A favorite annual trip during the spring and fall months were spent at the Ocean Waves Campground on Hatteras Island where they enjoyed surf fishing and established friendships that carried them into their elder years. Jesse loved the Lord and lived his life serving his Savior. He gave Marie credit for leading him to Christ and spoke freely about being a changed man because of her. He was a faithful member of First Baptist Church for over forty years where he served in many capacities including deacon and various roles on church committees. He and Marie participated in many mission trips through the years and were always ready to lend a hand to help where needs were identified. He was an active member of the music ministry at First Baptist where he especially enjoyed helping prepare for the annual Christmas pageant and other special events held at the church. He considered it a privilege to sing in the choir and was gifted with a beautiful, rich, bass voice. To sing alongside his fellow brothers in Christ was a blessing to him, and the friendships he made through the music ministry continued to bless him until his final days. His laughter was infectious and his smile as big as his heart.

Jesse was a master woodworker. He was known to spend hours crafting the most beautiful rocking chairs, bowls, tables, cabinetry, cutting boards, charcuterie boards, utensils, and salt and pepper mills using the most unusual woods. He was a perfectionist and was not satisfied with the end result unless it was flawless. No sooner would he make something new, he would quietly and inconspicuously give it away to those he loved most. He did not boast about his skills. He simply took great joy in sharing his craft and became a mentor to a select few passing on to them the secrets of the craft he had perfected and gown to love.

Jesse was blessed to have a large extended family that includes his sister-in-law's, Mrytle Simmons, and Linda Bailey and her husband, Jim; and brother-in law, Richard Garman and his wife, Joanie. Especially close to him were his nephew, Brian Bailey and wife, Cherie; and niece, Kristina Morris and her husband, Scott. While Jesse and Marie did not have any children of their own, they were grandfather figures to their grandnieces/nephew; Sierra, Talia, Zander, Giovanna, and Piper Bailey. Jesse carried pictures of them and boasted of their accomplishments as if they were his own. His life was enriched by their love.

Beyond his extended family, Jesse is survived by friends too numerous to list. A friend to Jesse was a friend for life, and he made friends easily wherever he was. His demeanor was gentle and respectful, and he could be easily engaged. He enjoyed the company of others and had weekly breakfast and lunch dates with friends for the past thirteen years. He was witty and kind and would freely give of himself whenever he saw a need. He was a simple man who lived by a high standard; to love the Lord with all your heart; to set a Christ-like example; to treat others as you would want to be treated; to love one another; to be kind and respectful; to be punctual; and to give your best in all that you strive to do.

Jesse requested that there not be a service at the time of his death, and we have chosen to honor his wishes. His loss is a great one to many of us. His life and legacy leave a lasting mark on those privileged to know and love him. He will be buried alongside his precious Marie at Sherwood Memorial Park as he requested. We will cherish many sweet memories of our friend and cling to the hope through Jesus that we will be together again one day. Until then, I will miss my friend.

It seems only fitting that memorials made in Jesse's honor can be made to your local church or charity of choice. He would be humbled and honored by your gesture and would say like he did so many times each day, "Thank you, kindly."

"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." Philippians 1:3

Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.