William Anderson Baker, 79
Always the paratrooper, William A. Baker slipped away from his final drop zone on November 2, 2016. He was born on December 13, 1936 in Hurley, Virginia. Mr. Baker was originally from the coal mines of Virginia and joined the Army at an early age and served in the 101st Airborne Division. After completing his honorable service in the Army, he moved to Florida and worked in construction with his brothers. During the Apollo program, Mr. Baker worked at the Kennedy Space Center. After his time at the Space Center came to an end, he joined his good friend at Reed Painting and Sandblasting in Edgewater, FL. He worked as a construction painter for over 40 years.
Mr. Baker was preceded in death by his Father: Walter Baker, Mother: Pearl Baker, brothers: Tunis Baker, Burton Baker, Walter Baker Jr., Donald Baker, Freddy Baker, Kenneth Baker, Ray Baker and sister Beulah (Baker) Ledlow. He is survived by his sister Hettie Ann (Baker) Crumpler of Tucson, Arizona; sister, daughter, Kay McCormick (Charles) of Deleon Springs, Florida; Sons William J. Baker (Nell) of Enterprise, Alabama and Kenneth R. Baker of Edgewater, Florida. Mr. Baker had 6 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 1 great great-grandson and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Funeral Services with military honors will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, November 5, 2016 in the Chapel of Russell Haven of Rest Funeral Home with his nephew, Barry Baker officiating. Burial will follow in Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5-7:00 PM Friday evening at the Funeral Home.
In lieu flowers donations may be made to Halifax Hospice Care. www.HalifaxHealth.org
Arrangements are under the care of Russell Haven of Rest Cemetery, Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 2335 Sandridge Road, Green Cove Springs, FL 32043. Family and friends may share their condolences at: www.RHRFH.com 904-284-7720