Johnny Wayne Laird, Sr., 78, of Denton, passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, August 10, 2025, in the presence of his greatest love, his wife, Alice Laird.

Born on October 30, 1946, in Denton to John and Clarice (Hooper) Laird, Johnny lived a life defined by faith, service, and unwavering love for his family and community. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps, both in Vietnam and stateside. On April 12, 1966, he married the love of his life, Alice Sprabeary, in Denton—beginning a marriage grounded in love and faith. After many years of his career service, he later retired from the University of North Texas and Turbo Refrigeration in Denton.

Johnny was a devoted member and deacon at Towne North Baptist Church and Gateway United Baptist Church, where he also taught Sunday School and mentored many. Known as one of Denton's most skilled welders and the man behind some of the best BBQ brisket, Johnny was also a devoted outdoorsman who loved deer hunting and spending time with his family and friends. His passion for helping others, spreading the word of Jesus, and forming genuine connections made him a man whose loyalty ran deep and true.

A few paragraphs could never capture the full measure of Johnny's life, his legacy, his love or the gratitude and respect he had for everyone he knew—there simply isn't enough ink or paper. If you knew him—as a friend, mentor, family member, co-worker, leader, or brother in Christ—please know that you held a special place in his heart. And as Johnny would say: there is always love and hope because Jesus showed us this first, when life gets hard take a knee to pray and then get back up and charge ahead, and this isn't goodbye... it's just see you later!

He is survived by his beloved wife, Alice Laird; sons, Johnny Wayne Laird, Jr., and Mark Laird and wife, Kristie Laird; grandchildren, John Laird and wife Savanah Payton, Jackie Laird, Trinity Laird, Tori Laird, and Tayte Laird; and great-granddaughters, Ella and Arora Payton.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at Gateway United Baptist Church, 2401 N. Bell Ave., Denton, TX 76209. Visitation will precede the service from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM. Interment will follow at Trinity Cemetery, 700 S. Trinity Rd., Denton, TX 76208.