William Baker's Obituary
Bill Baker, 91, was born Nov 13, 1924, in Newbern Tn. He was a member of the Newbern Center Methodist Church. At age 14, he took his first job at Western Auto while still in school. At age 18, he was drafted into the U.S. Army and served on the front lines during World War II. After the war, he returned home and later moved to Memphis where he met his wife of sixty years, Lucy. He opened his first used car business in 1955, on Union Ave. He was one of the first established wholesale automobile brokers in Memphis and paved the way for many others, including his son, William, who has been in the business for thirty years, and his grandson, Cody, as well. In his earlier years, Mr. Baker loved boating and spending time at Pickwick Lake. He was a fifty year member of the Masonic Lodge, and was also a long time member of the University Club of Memphis where he made and enjoyed fellowship with life-long friends. Mr. Baker stayed very active until the age of 91. Everyday seemed to be a new adventure as he made his customary rounds to favorite shops close to home, meeting new friends and revisiting old ones along the way! He loved people and never met a stranger. He had no problem asking, “What’s your name and where do I know you from?” He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Nettie and Gentry Baker; sister, Martha Johnson; and brother, Jack Baker. He is survived by his wife, Lucy Baker; two children, William Baker (Rena Baker) and Donna Heath; three grand-children, Chloe Plunk, Cody Baker, and Kristen Heath; and one great-grandson, Baker Plunk, and two nieces Sherry Golds, and Linda Walsh. His humor and contagious personality will be greatly missed. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m., Tuesday, May 10 and funeral services will be 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 11 at Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery. The family requests memorial donations may be made to St. Jude children hospital. The family requests memorial donations may be made to St. Jude children hospital. His funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119. “Celebrating Life… Behind the Stone Wall”
What’s your fondest memory of William?
What’s a lesson you learned from William?
Share a story where William's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with William you’ll never forget.
How did William make you smile?