John Dylan Baker's Obituary
John Dylan Baker, 35, died Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at Baptist Memorial Hospital in Memphis.
Dylan is survived by his adoring wife Allison Raines Baker, his loving brother Evan Thornton Baker, his devoted parents John Lawrence Baker, Jr. and Bonnie Ulrey Barnes, and his equally devoted grandmother Betty Thornton Ulrey, as well as many dear aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family members.
Dylan was born January 8, 1988, in Memphis. He attended Memphis University School, where he enjoyed many friendships and graduated in 2006. He was an Eagle Scout and a talented left-handed lacrosse player. He attended the College of Charleston and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he graduated with a Bachelor's in Political Science in 2011.
Dylan was a lifelong musician who had perfect pitch and natural ability. He studied piano and then learned to play the guitar both right handed and left handed so he could play like one of his favorites, Jimi Hendrix, and performed in the MUS talent show and pep band. Later he would switch from guitar to drums, and again from drums to producing music on his computer, often working with local artists.
One of Dylan’s great strengths was his initiative: he taught himself electronics and programming, in addition to music. Dylan became a sought-after cloud software developer and engineer through training with Cook Systems, building a career in this area for the past nine years. He worked at FedEx, FrontDoor, and other companies, most recently Grin.co, where he was employed at the time of his death. His intellectual curiosity led him to create and lead projects and continue to learn about artificial intelligence, science, film, spirituality, and nature. He found humor in daily life and all of our human foibles.
He was probably the most gifted in his ability to understand the essence of another person. He knew how to talk to people and bring out their best. He had a genuine interest in people and in learning about them and their differences and views, and he was valued at work for his willingness to help others. He loved his wife, his family, and his friends and neighbors, and gave of himself for their benefit. He also loved all animals and took care of many pets and rescue animals throughout his life.
A private memorial service was held on May 21 at the Church of the Holy Apostles in Collierville. Those who would like to remember Dylan in a special way are encouraged to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Streetdog Foundation, or a charity of their choice.
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