Gordon F. Baker, Jr.

Gordon F. Baker Jr., 83, formerly of Aiken, SC passed away on January 29th at his home in Dandridge, Tennessee after a difficult and courageous battle with cancer. He is most remembered for his remarkable intellect that was matched only by his kind and generous spirit.

Born February 28, 1940 in Augusta, Georgia, he proudly served as a Staff Sargeant in the United States Army where he retired after twenty years of service. As an expert in satellite-related communications, he was sought out to apply his skills and problem-solving ability at military installations around the world.  

Later in life, he was fortunate to find a devoted and loving partner in Doris Baker, his wife of the last twenty-five joyful years. Together, they relocated from Aiken to Dandridge, Tennessee to help care for and support her father who was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. During this time, he undertook a massive home renovation where he acted as his own contractor and, when necessary, did the work himself.  He was also passionate about his many other hobbies including reading/researching, restoring old vehicles, and supporting his spouse in her sewing and other craft-related hobbies.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Louise Salley Hicks; step-father, Hesterly Hicks; and sister, Edna Baker Dowdy.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife, Doris Baker; three children from his first marriage, Mark (Lena) Baker; Robert (Sherri) Baker, and Catherine Baker. He was graced with the opportunity to stepparent Bridget (Keith) Ferguson and Dr. Agatha (Jay) Dickert. He is also survived by a brother, Jesse (Vivian) Baker of SC and two sisters, Marion Hicks and Connie (Robert) Vermillion of Roanoke, VA; and eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews.   Pallbearers will be, Caleb and Cameron Foster, Dereck and Jeff Murray and Keith and Dannis Ferguson.  In lieu of flowers the family request that memorial gifts be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St Jude PL, Memphis, TN   38105-9959.

Friends will be greeted by the family on Saturday, February 3, 2024, from 12:00 to 2:00 o’clock  at Farrar Funeral Home, 162 East Meeting Street, Dandridge, TN. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 2:00 o’clock in the chapel. The services will conclude with a graveside interment with Military Honors at Dandridge Memorial Gardens.

ARRANGEMENTS BY FARRAR FUNERAL HOME, DANDRIDGE, TN