Thomas Allen Baker

1940 - 2024

Thomas (Tom) Allen Baker

March 06, 1940 - May 20, 2024

Mr. Thomas Allen Baker, 84, passed away peacefully at his High Point home on May 20, 2024.

A native of Portsmouth, Va, he was born on March 6, 1940. He was the son of the late Mr. Clarence Linwood and Mary Williams Baker. His father died when he was 4 yrs old and he was raised by his Mother.

He served in the Air Force from 1958-1962, when he was honorably discharged. Due to his extensive training in computers in the Air Force, he was hired by the Lane Company to head the computer department. While in Altavista, he served as President of the Altavista, Va Jaycees, Vice President of the Virginia Jaycees and was awarded a lifetime membership.

In 1967 he moved to Hickory, NC to head the Computer Department and the office there, then a division of the Lane Co. He was instrumental in developing a successful Forecaster program and won an award for that from the American Furniture Manufacturers Association (AFMA). He retired in1997 after40 years as Vice President of Administration of Hickory Chair Co.

He enjoyed time with his family, golfing, trips to the beach, sports, especially cheering on ACC basketball teams and the Carolina Panthers as a PSL owner. For many years he served as a coach for both boys and girls youth basketball and softball teams through the Hickory Recreation Department.

Tom was a member of First Presbyterian Church in High Point since 2012, where he was active in Mobile Meals and the Men's Prayer Breakfast.

He was preceded in death by his first wife of 40 years, Shirley Worrell Baker who died in 1999. Survivors include his second wife of 18 years, Donna Baker; a brother, James (Booty) Baker of Portsmouth, Va; three daughters, Deborah Baker (Mike) Golden of Winston-Salem, NC, Linda Baker (David) Lilly of Greenville, SC, and Jill Baker (Brad) Cole of Cary, NC; seven grandchildren, Ben (Katie) Lilly, Sara Lilly, Lauren Golden Parker Golden, Hudson Cole, Harper Cole and Thomas Baker Cole(Toby); and a great-granddaughter, Robin Kathleen Lilly.

Also surviving are three stepdaughters, Anne (Dr. Gavin) Heymann of Chapel Hill, NC, Mary Grace Baxendale of Portland, OR and Sarah Baxendale of Greensboro, NC, two step granddaughters, Helen and Clara Grace Heymann; one sister-in-law, Sue Ann (Mike) Thomas, and several nieces and nephews.

A private family graveside service will be held. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at First Presbyterian Church, 918 N. Main St., High Point, NC followed by a reception and lunch in the church Family Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 918 N. Main St., High Point, NC or to Hospice of the Piedmont,1801Westchester Dr., High Point, NC 27262.