Terry Hunter Baker was born on September 7, 1941 in Mount Pleasant, Tennessee to Paul and Winnie Baker. He had no siblings. Terry enjoyed an idyllic childhood in a beautiful part of the state in a family transitioning from farm to factory. An outstanding student, Terry would go on to be valedictorian of his high school class and attend Vanderbilt University on scholarship where he graduated with a degree in chemical engineering. While he was there, he played in the marching band. Terry spent decades with the Monsanto corporation and then worked decades more with Brown Teledyne and other companies. His career was global in scope. He was involved with engineering until the beginning of his 80’s.
Terry was a family man through and through. He gave generously of his time to his wife, Becky, and his children, Hunter and Christina. Together, they were tight knit and happy. Terry and Becky devoted tremendous energy to the raising of their children and to finding opportunities for them to flourish. Both of them went on to successful careers, Hunter in academia and Christina in advertising. The family loved spending time together and making trips all across the region.
Terry and Becky met in the late 1960’s and married after dating for less than two months. That two months turned into almost six decades of committed marriage. They had complementary strengths which benefited their children and any effort they undertook together.
Hunter married Ruth Elaine Martin. Their children Andrew and Grace loved their Granddad very much and Terry loved being a grandparent. Christina married Walter Glenn Fleming. Both spouses loved Terry and were recipients of his abundant love and service.
In the wake of his death, Terry is remembered as a successful professional, a true devotee of the science of engineering, a musician who loved the trombone and the guitar, and a fan of the Crimson Tide, but mostly as one of the most enthusiastic and servant-hearted family men imaginable, a happy friend of many, and a believer in our savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
He will be laid to rest at Burningtree Memorial Gardens with a graveside service on Tuesday, July 14th at 11am.
