Wallace Bryant Laird

With hearts full of sorrow, but immeasurable gratitude for a life so beautifully and purposefully lived, we announce the passing of Wallace Bryant Laird, who passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by the love of his family.

Wallace was born on December 30, 1938, in Folsom, Louisiana, to Joseph Samuel Laird and Lilda Bryant Laird, whose love, guidance, and strong values shaped the remarkable man he would become. Raised on his family’s farm in Folsom, Wallace learned early the lessons that would define his life — faith, hard work, humility, loyalty, service to others, and above all, devotion to family.

He attended Covington High School before continuing his education at **Southeastern Louisiana University. In 1961, Wallace began what would become an extraordinary and distinguished career in law enforcement when he was hired by Sheriff Red Erwin as a deputy with the St. Tammany Parish Sheriff's Office. This marked the beginning of more than 44 years of dedicated service to the people of St. Tammany Parish — a career defined by leadership, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to protecting and serving his community.

When George Broom was elected Sheriff in 1964, Wallace was appointed head of the Criminal Division and later promoted to Chief Deputy, a position he proudly held for the remainder of his career. He would go on to serve under Sheriff Pat Canulette and later Sheriff Jack Strain, becoming one of the most respected and trusted law enforcement leaders in the parish.

In 1962, Wallace became one of the first K-9 officers in the parish, further demonstrating his willingness to embrace innovation and advancement in law enforcement. His commitment to professional excellence led him to attend Louisiana State University’s School of Criminology and the LSU Law Enforcement Institute.

In 1968, at only 29 years old, Wallace was selected to attend the prestigious FBI National Academy in Washington, D.C. — becoming the first officer from St. Tammany Parish ever chosen and the youngest graduate in his class of more than one hundred officers.

His impact reached far beyond Louisiana. In 1987, Wallace was appointed to the Executive Board of Regional Organized Crime Information Center (ROCIC), a national organization created to support law enforcement collaboration against organized criminal activity. In 1989, he was elected Chairman, helping lead efforts during a critical era when organized crime groups, including the Dixie Mafia, posed major threats throughout the Southeast.

His dedication to the profession extended far beyond local service. In 1992, Wallace was elected as the first voting deputy in the State of Louisiana to be elected to serve on the Louisiana Sheriff’s Pension Fund Board, a distinction that reflected the tremendous respect he had earned within the law enforcement community. He faithfully served in this role for three years, helping represent and protect the interests of law enforcement officers throughout the state

Over the course of his career, Wallace witnessed tremendous change in law enforcement, but what never changed was the respect he earned from everyone who knew him. He built lifelong friendships, helped countless people in times of need, and served not only as an officer of the law, but as a man who genuinely cared about others. He was, in every sense of the phrase, a true servant of St. Tammany Parish. Though Wallace loved his career and the work he was called to do, the greatest priorities in his life were always his faith and family.

A devoted man of God, Wallace was a longtime member of Red Bluff Baptist Church, where he faithfully served through one of his greatest gifts — music. Blessed with an extraordinary singing voice, he was a proud member of the church choir and quartet, touching countless lives through worship and service.

In 1960, Wallace married the love of his life, Sylvia Sydney “Sue” Champagne Laird, beginning a beautiful partnership that would span 65 years. Together they built not simply a marriage, but a life rooted in love, devotion, faith, and family.

Wallace leaves behind his beloved wife Sue; his children, Rebecca Sue Laird, Wallace Bryant Laird, Jr. (Tressa), and Jonathan Brett Laird (Cydney); his cherished grandchildren, Clayton Laird Sharp (Becky), Wallace Bryant Laird III, Brylee Rebecca Laird Caballero (Jacob), Shaylee Brynn Laird Bieber (Jackson), Dylan Anthony Lynch, Bryce Tanner Lynch, and Creek McCall Laird; and great-grandchildren Bryton Sharp and Brylie Sharp.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Ivy “Brother” Champagne and wife Laura Champagne.

He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Joseph Samuel Laird and Lilda Bryant Laird; his brother, Richard Joseph Laird, and sister-in-law Gail Laird; his sister and brother-in-law, Jane and Frank Gennusa; and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Ike and Winnie Champagne.

One of the greatest gifts Wallace inherited from his parents was the value of family and the deep roots of home. Their legacy lives on through what has long been affectionately known as “Laird Hill” — family land that became far more than property. It became a place where generations built homes beside one another, raised families together, and remained deeply connected in the way Wallace believed families should be. Few things brought him more joy than his daily rides around “the hill,” checking in on those he loved most.

He was a lifelong sports enthusiast who proudly supported his beloved LSU Tigers and the Covington High Lions, but nothing brought him greater happiness than his grandchildren.

Because so much of his early life was devoted to building his career and serving others, Wallace treasured every moment spent with his family. His grandchildren became one of the greatest joys of his life, and his love for them was limitless. He never missed a ballgame, graduation, celebration, or simple opportunity to stop by for one of his daily visits. Those who knew him best understood one simple truth: he was happiest when surrounded by the people he loved.

Wallace leaves behind a legacy far greater than titles held or accomplishments earned. He leaves a legacy of unwavering faith, honorable service, quiet strength, unconditional love, and the kind of character that shaped generations.

The values he lived by — integrity, humility, loyalty, hard work, devotion to family, and service to others — now live on in every generation of his family. The life he built did not end with him; it continues in the children he raised, the grandchildren he adored, the great-grandchildren who will know his story, and the community forever touched by his life of service.

He taught by example that a meaningful life is measured not by what a person achieves for themselves, but by what they build for others — through sacrifice, steadfast love, faith in God, and an unwavering commitment to family.

Some people leave memories behind. Wallace left a foundation.

His family will forever carry forward the example he set, the love he gave so freely, and the legacy of a life lived exactly as it should be — with faith in God, love for family, and a servant’s heart toward others.

A celebration of Wallace’s life will be held at Red Bluff Baptist Church on Friday, July 3. Visitation will take place from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m., with funeral services beginning at 12:00 noon.

In honor of Wallace’s life and memory, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, American Diabetes Association, or Red Bluff Baptist Church.

He will be deeply missed, forever loved, and never forgotten.