Richard William Baker, Jr.

March 27, 1932 - December 5, 2021

03/27/1932 - 12/05/2021

Past Services

Service
Friday December 10, 2021
1:00 pm
Harrellsville Cemetery
Quebec Road
Harrellsville, NC 27942
Directions

Harrellsville, NC – Richard William Baker Jr., age 89, of Harrellsville, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021 after a long battle with dementia.

Richard was born on March 27, 1932 to Richard W. Baker, Sr. and Susie Hill Baker in Hertford County, North Carolina.

Richard graduated from Harrellsville High School, Chowan College, AA, Wake Forest University, BA and East Carolina University, MA and served for 2 years in the US Army.

During Richard’s 30+ year career he served as the Assistant Superintendent of Bertie County Schools, Executive Director of Alliance for Progress, Inc and Director of Business and Industry Training at Roanoke Chowan Community College in addition to running the family farm well into his 70s.

He was also proud of the volunteer time he spent with Church, numerous organizations and served on many Boards.  He was a devoted member, Deacon and Sunday School teacher at Christian Harbor Baptist Church and later a member of the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie.  He served as a Town of Harrellsville Town Council member for many years and then as Mayor for 17 years.  He was a proud Rotarian for 30+ years holding many positions at for Ahoskie Rotary Club and District 7720. He also served as District Governor and received Rotary’s highest honor, The Service Above Self Award.

Most importantly he was a devoted Christian, husband and father and will be dearly missed.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Jacqueline Rowe Baker, and sister, Jeanelle Baker Rowe.

Richard is survived by his son Michael B. Baker, wife Marla and grandson Gabriel of Askewville, NC and son Richard W. Baker, III and wife, Hilary of Raleigh, NC along with extended family.

A graveside service will be held at the Harrellsville Cemetery on December 10, 2021 at 1:00 pm with Rev. Anita Thompson and Rev. Dr. Jesse Croom officiating. The family will remain at the cemetery after the service to receive friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online by clicking here

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Baker family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.

 

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J. C. Watford
2 years ago

I offer my most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the Baker family at the demise of your loved one. As a member of the Ahoskie Rotary Club, I had the distinct pleasure of meeting and knowing Richard. His kind demeanor and love for people was second to none. Over the years, I have often thought of him. May the God of all peace be your Comfort during this difficult time.

Lois M. Crumpler
2 years ago

Richard and Jackie were dear friends and visited with us in Marshville, NC on several occasions. Richard and I served together as District Governors for Rotary. Jack and I are saddened to learn of his death and send our deepest sympathy to his family.

Sharon Holloman Roope
2 years ago

I have known Richard since 1974. I worked with Jackie at the former RCH lab. We were also fellow church members at First Baptist Church of Ahoskie. Richard was a fine man. Sending prayers to Mike and Rick.

Colon Rowe
2 years ago

My brother-in-law was one of the finest men I have ever known. I will miss him.

Garry Cale
2 years ago

My sincere condolences to the family. Mr. Baker was someone I always looked up to. He kept me on the right road many times