Graveside service for Richard Timothy “Tim” Baker, Sr. will be Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 1:00pm at New Center Baptist church cemetery with Bro. Jeremy Calloway officiating. No public visitation is planned. Friends and loved ones are welcome at the graveside service. Tim passed peacefully into glory on Thursday, September 28th surrounded by loved ones.
Tim was born to Cyrus Allen “Jackie” and Lillian Richardson Baker on September 16, 1935 in Decatur, Alabama in Morgan county. He entered into eternity on September 28, 2023 surrounded by family, holding his hand and telling stories of the “toughest man to ever live.”
Tim was a four-year letterman and multi sport athlete for the Decatur Red Raiders and graduated in 1954 from Decatur High school. Coach Ogle said “pound for pound Tim Baker was the greatest athlete I ever coached.” He attended and graduated Auburn University in 1959. He was the Team Captain of the National Championship team in 1957 because “everybody loved and respected Tim.” Having been coached under Shug Jordan, he had stories to tell. He was also a Morgan County Sports Hall of Fame inductee. He received a a plaque from the Boys and Girls Club of Decatur, Inc. that states –
Decatur High School, 3 year Letterman in Football, a 3 year letterman in Basketball, and a 4 year letterman in Track. T.V.C. Track in 1954 Polevault 1st place, State Track 1954, All-State Football 1954, Outstanding Athlete 1953-54, Auburn University: Football 1955-56-57, Gator Bowl 1955, SEC Champion 1957, National Champion 1957, Team Captain 1957. Coach Shorty Ogle quote – “Pound for Pound he is the Best Player I ever coached”
Tim was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed fishing and all kinds of hunting. He loved to quail hunt and raised several hunting dogs named “Belle” over the years. Family is still waiting on ‘ol Rip to come back from running that rabbit. In his later years, he could be found riding the Wheeler Wildlife refuge and raising bees and peach trees.
Tim owned and operated Baker Construction Co., Inc for many years and could “build anything with his hands.” Many buildings still stand in the area today as a result of his craftsmanship.
Regardless of all his many accomplishments in his life, his greatest accomplishments were his family. He was most proud of his children and grandchildren.
Survived by his wife of 47 years, Minnie Orme Baker.
Sons – Richard Timothy “Tim” Baker, Jr. (Tammy)
Justin “Clint” Baker (Amber)
Daughters- Cindy Baker McCurry (Walt)
Bonnie Baker Caddell
Grandchildren – Jason Jenkins (Abbey), Jackie Caddell, Audry Baker, Levi Baker and Benjamin Baker
Great Grandchildren – Karlie Schrimsher (Adam), Raegan and Shelby Jenkins.
Pallbearers will be Tim Baker, Jr., Clint Baker (Levi and Benjamin), Walt McCurry, Jason Jenkins, Brandon Orme and Adam Schrimsher
Honorary Pallbearer – Harold Orme
Tim will be greatly missed by his family, friends and neighbors. He was known as a neighbor to call on if you ever needed help.
In lieu of flowers, family requests memorial donations be made to the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home.
Peck Funeral Home
