Farewell Dad...

December 9, 1932 – August 2, 2022

OBITUARY

William Alonzo (Bill) Baker, 89, of Watkinsville, peacefully passed away at home on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Born in Columbus, Ohio, Mr. Baker was the son of the late James Frederick and Celesta Baker. He was a veteran of the United States Navy and served in the Korean War as an Aviation Structural Mechanic. He worked as a corporate executive with Caterpillar until retirement. Above all, Mr. Baker loved God and spent most of his life seeking after the things of the Lord and encouraging others in their walk with Jesus. Mr. Baker loved his little white dog, golf, traveling, giving treats to his grandkids and great-grandkids and singing, but he was best known for cranking up his music while making his famous Bill Baker breakfast for his family and friends. He never met a stranger and together he and Betty welcomed all to their table. He was a member of Faith Presbyterian Church in Watkinsville, where he loved his gospel group, inspiring children and spending times of encouragement with his pastor, Nathan Parker.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Baker was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Baker; brothers: Jim and Dick Baker; and sister, Caralee Jones.

He is survived by his little sister and confidante, Ann (Annie) Kain (Jim). He leaves a legacy of deep abiding love expressed through his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. Surviving children: Lonnie Baker, Keli Shaw (John), Darby Cooke (Paul) and Carrie Baker. He is also survived by grandchildren who lovingly knew him as G.P.: Jeremiah Shaw (Jenny), Christopher Cooke (Olivia), Katie Pe’er (Asher), Courtney Slingo (Jordan), Caleb Cooke (Alexa), Noah Cooke, Ryan Baker, Hudson Shaw and Emma Cooke; great-grandchildren: Lucy Shaw, Molly Shaw, Finley Slingo, Estella Cooke, Piper Slingo, Anastasia Cooke, Liam Pe’er, James Cooke, Danielle Cooke, Declan Slingo, Elliott Cooke and Katarina Cooke; beloved foster grandchildren: Heidi Gumera, Alejandro Gumera and Blessing Velez; and foster great-grandchild, Kaia Gumera.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, August 6, at 10:00 a.m., at Evergreen Memorial Park.

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.