Obituary of John Wesley Baidy
John Wesley Baidy was born in Oakland, Tennessee on June 11, 1941. He was one of six children born from the union of the late Sanford Baidy and the late Goldie Mae (McCully) Baidy. At the age of nine his family would move to Michigan making their home in Monroe. John attended Monroe Public Schools where he lettered on the Track and Field Team participating with High Jump, Broad Jump, Pole Vault, and ran in the relays. He graduated in 1960.
John married the former, Kay Frances Ethridge, on June 27, 1963 in Monroe. The couple would be blessed with the birth of two children. John provided for his family as a mechanic. He was employed by Consolidated Paper Company for many years prior to their closing. He would then take a position with Jones Transfer. He retired in 1991 after more than thirty years of combined service.
A dedicated member of the Second Missionary Baptist Church, John, was a man of strong Christian faith and exceptional moral values. John was very active at the church serving in the capacity of Trustee assisting with facility needs and maintenance. He also remained active with the food closet for many years. He was so extremely well-respected that the church established a scholarship fund in his honor.
John enjoyed staying physically fit spending many days working out at Powerhouse Gym and later at Planet Fitness. As a young man he had enjoyed playing softball in local leagues, and as a member of the Monroe Bombers, had even played in New York in the World Championships.
John Wesley Baidy, age 79, of Monroe passed away at 11:45am on Saturday, December 12, 2020 at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital. In addition to his parents his passing was preceded by his five siblings: Silas McCully, Charlie Thompson, Bernetta Rose, Olivia Ransaw, and Evelyn Jones.
To cherish his memory, he leaves his beloved wife of fifty-seven years: Kay of Monroe; two children: Gay Baidy of Monroe and John (Jean) Baidy Jr. of Kalamazoo; and grandchildren: Willie Johnson III of Monroe and A’Lissa Baidy of Kalamazoo.
Friends may gather on Saturday; December 19, 2020 from 11:30am-1:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070. A Homegoing Celebration will follow at 1:00pm also at Merkle’s with Pastor Allen Overton of Christ Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Flint and Pastor Terrence Johnson of Second Missionary Baptist Church in Monroe officiating. Procession will follow to Roselawn for burial.
Memorials for those who desire are suggested to the John W. Baidy Living Legend Scholarship Fund through Second Missionary Baptist Church. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.
