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Bill Baker Obituary
Clinton - Dr. Bill Russell Baker came to the end of his earthly journey on November 9, 2020. Dr. Baker was born in a farm house at Shady Grove in Pontotoc County, MS. He is the son of William Joseph and Maudye Russell Baker who preceded him in death.
After graduation from high school Dr. Baker continued to pursue his education earning the BS and PhD from Mississippi State University; BD from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary; and the MA from the University of Mississippi.
While studying at the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, Dr. Baker worked as a country/gospel disc jockey and newscaster for WWEZ radio in New Orleans.
Dr. Baker was ordained to the ministry by the First Baptist Church in Pontotoc. He served as pastor of Cairo Baptist Church in Pontotoc County; Youth Director of First Baptist Church in Columbia, MS, Associate Pastor of First Baptist Church in Gulfport, MS, Pastor Mantee Baptist Church in Mantee, MS; Pastor First Baptist Church in Calhoun City and Pastor of the First Baptist Church in Clinton, MS for 23 years.
Following his tenure in Clinton, Dr. Baker joined the faculty of William Carey University and later taught adjunct classes for Mississippi College in Clinton.
Dr. Baker served on the Executive Committee of the Mississippi Baptist Convention Board; the Mississippi Baptist Foundation where he was president of that board for ten years; Moderator of Hinds-Madison Association; and preached the state convention sermon.
Dr. Baker was inducted in Phi Kappa Phi, Honorary Scholastic Society and Omicron Delta Kappa, National Leadership Honor Society.
Dr. Baker is the author of Catch the Vision, The Life of Henry L. Whitfield of Mississippi, published by the University Press of Mississippi
Dr. Baker enjoyed playing the guitar and singing. Golf was his hobby.
He is survived by His wife of 58 years, Madeline Jill Applewhite of Columbia, MS. He took pride in his wife Jill who was the drum majorette at Ole Miss, the first Carrier Scholarship and a member of Phi Kappa Phi.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday November 11, 2020 from 9:30 am until the 11:00 am service at First Baptist Church Clinton, MS.
In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to First Baptist Church of Clinton.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bill Baker
Sponsored by Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home - Clinton.
Debra Oliver Conner
November 13, 2020
I’m sorry to hear about Dr. Baker’s death. He always meant so much to my parents. I so appreciated his attentiveness to my dad after he had a stroke. Dr. Baker visited regularly and just sat and visited with him. Heaven has gained a good man.
Kathy Tedder Beasley
November 12, 2020
I am so sorrybto hear about Brother Baker. You and Brother Bill were an important part of my life. You gave me a love for music that has only gotten stronger. Praying for you. Sincerely , Kathy Tedder.
Arthur Delashmet
November 11, 2020
He baptized me and Performed my marriage at FBC Clinton. He was a godly and kind man, and always pointed people to Christ.
Mary Margaret Williams
November 11, 2020
He married my parents in Mantee, MS in 1962. He was so loved by all in Mantee, MS and him and Mrs. Jill's name comes up often in old stories told. I saw him at Chapel at MC one day in 1993 or 1994 and introduced myself. What a great man!! So sorry for your loss Mrs. Jill. I am Max & Mary Johnson's daughter. My dad sends his love and sympathies.
Mary Margaret Johnson Williams, Mantee, MS
Steve Cook
November 10, 2020
I knew Bill Baker from his coming to Clinton onward. He and Jill were always the best of friends and the best Christian supporters I ever had; all the way from joys to the depths of sorrow, they never let me down. I will miss Bill and hope to be with him again someday.
Amy Thompson
November 10, 2020
Dr. Baker was such a big part of my life. He married my parents in Calhoun City and then baptized me in Clinton. It came full circle when he helped marry me back in Calhoun City. I took piano lessons from Mrs. Jill. Such a sweet, sweet man. We will miss him but I know he is rejoicing in Heaven.
Joan Terry
November 10, 2020
Oh how we loved this great man of God! He was so special to our family! I know he is singing as he walks the streets of gold! Sending my love to Jill!
Erin O'Bryen
November 10, 2020
Dr. Baker was everything a pastor should be. I was 16 when he and Jill came to FBC Clinton and I look up to them as examples, still.
Merri Wright
November 10, 2020
Dr Baker was our first Pastor at FBC Clinton when we married in 1984. He will always have a special place in my heart. He and his beautiful wife Jill exemplified class. RIP
Kathy K Nowell
November 9, 2020
So grateful to have had Dr. Baker as our pastor for many formative years in our lives and the lives of our children. We named our son, Gavin William, in honor of him. He and Jill were the first ones to greet us the morning Gavin was born. He and Jill were good friends to our parents, too. Know he is being greeted by many Saints now and for a long time. Praying especially for Jill in these days.
The Staff of Wright & Ferguson Funeral Home
November 9, 2020
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
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