HJR270 Summary

• Mourns the death of former State Representative Richard Joel Laird, Sr. of Roanoke, Alabama, who died on December 14, 2020, at age 81.

• Laird served 36 years in the Alabama House of Representatives representing Chambers, Clay, and Randolph Counties and previously served on the Roanoke City Council from 1972-1976.

• Laird was a prominent businessman who owned Laird's Five and Dime and Radio Shack, developed Peachtree Apartments and Randolph Plaza Shopping Center, and served on multiple county boards and authorities.

• Laird was a longtime member of Handley Avenue Church of God where he served as clerk and Sunday School teacher for more than 48 years and was a charter member of Randolph County Camp of Gideons International for over 30 years.

• Laird is survived by his wife of 62 years Peggy Richardson Laird, one son, two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, one sister, and numerous relatives and friends.