Charles Baxter McCord's Obituary
Charles Baxter McCord, 84, passed away peacefully at home on January 14, 2024.
The son of J.C. and Betty McCord, Baxter was raised in Memphis and educated at Humes High School and Memphis State University. He enjoyed a long career as a trusted and respected commercial architect in Memphis, designing retail stores, movie theaters, churches, and much more. He worked at Gregory Grace and Associates and then worked independently alongside his dear friend, architect Joe Gooch, until his retirement in 2006.
Baxter is survived by his wife, Susan Hale McCord; his brother, Dr. Joe McCord of West Palm Beach, Florida; his son, Martin McCord (Van Furgalack) of New Orleans; his stepdaughter, Mary Hale Morris (Paul Morris) of Memphis; and his grandchildren, Courtland and Alison Morris. He was predeceased by his parents and his stepson, Marc Hale.
As Baxter dealt with difficult complications of advanced Parkinson's disease in the past few years, his caregivers Edna Brown and Elizabeth Williams also became an important part of his life. His family is grateful for them, as well as for the Midsouth Parkinson’s Disease Foundation and Support Group.
A lifelong Christian, Baxter could be found every Sunday at the Germantown Church of Christ. He loved Tiger basketball, Cardinals games, Corvettes, motorcycles, crossword puzzles, books about the Old West, and cigars. He was an avid fisherman but, since he was a catch-and-release guy, not a single fish fry ever occurred.
He was married to Susan (his onetime next-door neighbor) for 35 years (which is "like 100 in husband years," he would say). The two enjoyed many trips together, including trips to the Pyramids, all of Europe, and Alaska and Hawaii—his favorites.
Baxter's quiet spirit made him a good listener who was always easy to be around. His dry wit reflected his own unique way of looking at the world. He was proud to be a father and a grandfather, and he found a lot of joy in those roles.
A visitation will be held at Germantown Church of Christ (8723 Poplar Pike) on Friday, January 26, at 11:00 a.m., to be followed by a memorial service at noon. Donations may be made to Germantown Church of Christ or the Midsouth Parkinson’s Foundation and Support Group (1512 Pine Shadows Drive, Memphis, TN 38120).
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