William Henry (Billy) Baker, age 88 of Centre, passed away Friday, January 4th at Redmond Regional Medical Center.
The family will receive friends from 5 pm until 8 pm on Sunday, January 6th and the funeral services will be at 2:00 pm on Monday, January 7th at Perry Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Jeff Davis and Rev. Eugene Burgess officiating. Burial will follow in the Cherokee Memory Gardens.
Pallbearers include Michael Baker, Chris Baker, Dylan Baker, Joel Nowak, Ted Nowak, Sean Peek, Xavier Dekarske, Mark Flynt and Steve Baker. Honorary Pallbearers will be J.R. Grimes, Donnie Walker, Ralph Bates Sunday School Class and his Trade Day Friends.
Billy known by his family as Papa, leaves behind a loving wife of 68 years, Patsy Young Baker; a son, Randy (Michelle) Baker of Centre; a daughter, Kathy (Joe) Nowak of Centre; his brother, Bobby (Clemmie) Baker of Centre; his sisters, Ann Flynt of Centre and Bennie Bates of Hokes Bluff. 6 grandchildren; 9 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren; along with several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Raiford and Attis Davis Baker; his sister, Nina Reed; brother-in-laws, Herman Reed and Jack Flynt; and his nephews, David Baker and Jimmy Reed.
Papa was a native of Cherokee County, a retired carpenter construction foreman and farmer. He was a long time member of the Centre First United Methodist Church where he was a member of the Ralph Bates Sunday School Class as well as served on several committees which also included the maintenance of the church.
Papa leaves his family and friends with a legacy that our country was founded on. A legacy of faith, integrity, responsibility and family values are things he instilled in his family and everyone that he met.
A special thanks to Dr. Brian Perry for his years of faithful care and loyal friendship.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Centre First United Methodist Church.
Perry Funeral Home Directing.