Russell P. Baker, Jr., age 92, a lifelong resident of Charlotte County, passed away early Monday morning, February 26, 2024. He was born on April 26, 1931, the eldest son of Russell P. Baker Sr. and Annie Allen Baker. Russell was preceded in death by his wife Ethel Hamlett Baker; three brothers, Ed Baker, Jack Baker, and Roy Baker.
He was a member of Eureka Baptist Church, where he served for many years as a Deacon and trustee. For thirty years he was a supervisor at Burlington Industries in Drakes Branch. During and after those years he enjoyed playing golf, gardening, woodworking, and building cabins with his brother Roy.
In more recent days, he enjoyed music and dancing at various local gatherings, where he could always be counted on to pray the blessing before food was served, and to “tell a little story” or a joke to entertain the crowd.
In 1952 Russell married Ethel Hamlett. Together they had two children, Steven Baker (Carolyn) of Keysville, and Audrey Baker Davidson (Don) of Daytona Beach, FL; three grandsons, John Mark Davidson (Daniela) of Austin, TX, Nash Baker (Elizabeth) of Northlake, TX, and Nick Baker (Madison) of Keysville, VA. Most recently he delighted in his three great grandchildren, Lucy Davidson, Brooks Baker, and Jack Baker. Russell had eight siblings and is survived by Peggy East, Doris Jones, Nancy Fowler, Margaret Jenkins and Larry Baker.
Russell Baker will be remembered as a wise and generous man who never met a stranger. He was a Christian man who always tried to do the right thing. As an excellent raconteur, he made characters real and imagined come alive in his telling.
The family would like to thank the Woodland’s staff and the Centra Hospice Care Team for their devotion and dedication to our loved one.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to:
Ash Camp Baptist Church, Eureka Baptist Cemetery Fund or Philbeck’s Music House.
A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 1, 2024, at Ash Camp Baptist Church, Keysville, VA. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be private at the Eureka Baptist Church Cemetery. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA, is in charge of arrangements.
Condolence Messages
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Peggy Claytor
So sorry for your loss. Mr. Baker always had a sweet and caring soul. God bless you all.
tom Crouse
I met Russell at the Woodlands a few months ago.I’m part of the hospice team “We Honor Veterans.” new are a small group of veterans that visit veterans in hospice and celebrate their military service to our country. We performed a pinning ceremony where Russell received a nice framed certificate with his name and branch of service.
Russell did like to tell us several stories about his time in the Army.
Rest in Peace brother.
Tom Crouse
Centra Hospice volunteer
MARK ANTHONY FEARS
PRAYERS
John Henry and Janice Noblin
I’m so sorry to hear of Mr Baker passing away he was a very nice person he would always love to speak when he seen me may God comfort you all during this difficult time God bless you all RIP Mrs Russell Baker
Patricia Felker
Sending our Condolences to all the Baker family and especially to our dear friends Carolyn and Steve. May God comfort you in days ahead.
Pat and Dan Felker
Meka Percer
Mr.Baker will be truly missed, he was my favorite at the Woodlands..Everytime he seen me he would say “Hey Charlotte County” and will greet me with the biggest smile. I will truly miss tending to him when I go to work and especially seeing that smile and hear that laughter.
Brenda and Dale Robinson
Our deepest condolences and prayers go out to all of the family
Iris Clark
Russell was a very special gentleman that I have had the great pleasure of knowing for five years. A kind, gracious, and loving person who helped everyone who crossed his path. There will never be one day that I don’t think of him with fond memories & will miss every day that I got to visit & care for him. I take great comfort in knowing that he is in the arms of Jesus.
Iris clark
I have known Russell Baker for five years. He was an amazing Christian man with high values. A friend to everyone he met. No doubt that he was loved by so many people because of his calm & caring demeanor & so giving to many people whom he didn’t even know. This earthly loss is Heavens gain. I have no doubt that he is in the arms of Jesus.