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HARRELLSVILLE – Richard William Baker Jr., age 89, of Harrellsville, passed away on Sunday, December 5, 2021 after a long battle with dementia.

Richard was born on March 27, 1932 to Richard W. Baker, Sr. and Susie Hill Baker in Hertford County, North Carolina.

Richard graduated from Harrellsville High School, Chowan College, AA, Wake Forest University, BA and East Carolina University, MA and served for 2 years in the US Army.

During Richard’s 30+ year career he served as the Assistant Superintendent of Bertie County Schools, Executive Director of Alliance for Progress, Inc and Director of Business and Industry Training at Roanoke Chowan Community College in addition to running the family farm well into his 70s.

He was also proud of the volunteer time he spent with church, numerous organizations and served on many boards. He was a devoted member, Deacon and Sunday School teacher at Christian Harbor Baptist Church and later a member of the First Baptist Church of Ahoskie. He served as a Town of Harrellsville Town Council member for many years and then as Mayor for 17 years. He was a proud Rotarian for 30+ years holding many positions at for Ahoskie Rotary Club and District 7720. He also served as District Governor and received Rotary’s highest honor, The Service Above Self Award.

Most importantly he was a devoted Christian, husband and father and will be dearly missed.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Jacqueline Rowe Baker, and sister, Jeanelle Baker Rowe.

Richard is survived by his son Michael B. Baker, wife Marla and grandson Gabriel of Askewville, NC; and son Richard W. Baker, III and wife, Hilary of Raleigh, NC; along with extended family.

A graveside service will be held at the Harrellsville Cemetery on December 10, 2021 at 1 p.m. with Rev. Anita Thompson and Rev. Dr. Jesse Croom officiating. The family will remain at the cemetery after the service to receive friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601 or online by visiting www.tmcfunding.com/search fund, type: Richard Baker.

Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service – Ahoskie Chapel is handling the arrangements for the Baker family and online condolences can be directed to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com.