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Buck Baker Obituary
He was born March 4, 1919 in Richburg, SC, son of the late Jake Baker and Roxanne Wylie Baker. Mr. Baker was a member of Six Racing Hall of Fames and voted one of the 50 greatest drivers in NASCAR history. He retired from racing with 2 NASCAR Winston Cup Championships and 46 Winston Cup Victories. Following his retirement from racing, Buck founded the Buck Baker Racing School, which he had operated for the past 20 years. A U.S. Navy veteran, Mr. Baker also held a Multi-Engine Rating Pilots license.
Funeral service will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2002 in the Calvary Church Chapel, 5801 Pineville-Matthews Road, Charlotte, with Pastor Bob Daniel officiating. Interment will follow in Magnolia Memorial Gardens at Calvary Church. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Harry and Bryant Chapel, 500 Providence Road, Charlotte.
He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Susan Painter Baker; three children, Buddy Baker, of Sherrills Ford, NC, Randy Baker, of Kannapolis, NC, and Susie Baker, of Charlotte, NC; a sister, Grace Sanders, of Rock Hill, SC; two grandsons, Bryan Baker, of Lake Norman, NC and Brandon Baker, of Marietta, GA; and two great granddaughters, Noel Baker and Brianna Baker.
Memorials may be made to Crisis Assistance Ministry, 500 A Spratt Street, Charlotte, NC 28206.
Harry and Bryant Company is serving his family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Buck Baker
6 Entries
Lonnie Jeffers
April 20, 2002
While attending Buck's Racing school in Rockingham for several years in a row, I was very fortunate to have spent many hours listening to his legendary stories of NASCAR's early days. My office walls are adorned with many photos of Buck and I standing around his race school cars at Rockingham. On my last visit there, Buck turned a lap in his race truck that would rival todays cup cars. You became an inspriration to me, Buck. Thank you for the personal interest you took in this student. My heartfelt condolences to Buck's family and the entire sport. We will miss him.
Dick Karth
April 18, 2002
I was fortunate to meet Buck while attending his school in Rockingham. He was on those unique individuals, a legend in his own time, a larger than life character. You just don't set out in life to be one of those people, you are one because of yourself; just like Buck was. Buck was Buck. If feel very fortunate to have met him. Not only was he a great race car driver; but he was a very astute businessman. He created an industry (racing schools) where there wasn't one. My condolences to the Baker family. You can be very, very proud of your forefather.
Jim and Lori Ann Micksch
April 17, 2002
We had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Baker in 2000 at his racing school in Rockingham. Mr. Baker, your racing school, along with meeting you, gave us the thrill of our lives. You will be missed by so many. Condolences to the family.
Lucy Piercy
April 17, 2002
My deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Buck Baker. I never had the pleasure of meeting the gentleman, but he gave me many hours of enjoyment with his skill on the race track. Mr. Baker will live long in the hearts of his many fans.
Kent Benfield
April 16, 2002
I help a LMSC team race @ Carolinas/Virginia short tracks(driver Billy Martin)- the car is # 87 - has been since the 60's!!! Thanks, Buck, for the inspiration!!!
Condolences to the family...
Robert Smith
April 16, 2002
Buck was what the real legends of motorsports were made of....
We can't replace him........
We can't forget him.........
I am glad I got to spend some time with him....................
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