Jerry Ray Baker

KELFORD, NC - Jerry Ray Baker, a devoted family man and respected electrician, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, in his hometown of Kelford, North Carolina, on July 31, 2025, at the age of 89. Born on June 23, 1936, as one of fourteen children to Mary Lucy Shoulders Baker and Roy Neicman Baker, Jerry spent his life dedicated to his family, his work, and his faith.
Jerry grew up on the family farm in Kelford, where he developed a strong work ethic and a love for building things with his hands. Jerry learned the values of hard work and dedication early in life-principles that guided him throughout his remarkable journey. His professional journey began at Newport News Shipyard, where he worked as an office manager for Gibbs and Cox. He then transitioned to Lykes Brothers Steamship Company, serving as an office manager before finding his true calling as an electrician. Returning to Bertie County, Jerry honed his skills with Holloman Electric and Rigby Electric, among others, concluding his career with Tommy & Company Electrical Company in Ahoskie, North Carolina. As an electrician specializing in both commercial and residential electrical work, Jerry's hands not only built structures but also forged lasting connections with those around him, earning a remarkable reputation for his expertise and dedication.
A man of deep faith, Jerry served the Lord for many years as a deacon and Sunday School teacher at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He shared his wisdom and encouragement with all who knew him, never meeting a stranger and always offering kind words.
Jerry enjoyed fishing and boating, but his greatest joy came from spending time with his cherished family. He took pride in building their family home himself and crafting a "She-shed" for Pat, his beloved wife of 68 years, to store Christmas treasures and other things. Jerry truly was a man of many talents and enjoyed doing things to make his family happy.
Preceded in death by his parents; sisters Alice Baker, Dorothy Baker, Lake Baker, Faye Fulton (and husband Art), Clara Showalter (and husband Walter), Beaulah White (and husband Woodrow), Helen Robbins, and Winifred Williford; and brothers Bob (and wife Ruth), Edward, Frank, and Sam Baker (and wife Hilda), Jerry leaves behind a legacy of love and devotion.
He is survived by his loving wife, Patsy "Pat" Ledford Baker; daughter Cindy Baker Tinkham (and husband Woody) of Aulander, North Carolina; son Michael Baker (and wife Janet) of Varina, Virginia; grandchildren Genesa Baker, Josh Baker (and wife Genie), Candace Jenkins, Anelle Joyner (and husband Russ), and Patrick Terry (and wife Emily); and great-grandchildren Jack and Olivia Baker; Gavin, Jacob, Grant, and Jamison Benton; Dawson Jenkins; Madison and Mason Joyner; and Parker, Paige, and Payton Terry. He is also survived by sister Frances McCarthy, and brothers-in-law Kenneth Williford and Carlton Robbins. There are many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends that will miss Jerry as well.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, August 3, 2025, from 1:00 to 1:30 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Aulander, NC, followed by a Celebration of Life Service beginning at 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens in Ahoskie, North Carolina.
Memorial donations may be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 225 Pleasant Grove Rd, Aulander, NC 27805. Donations can also be made online by clicking here.
He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He was such a great father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He thought he was so blessed, and he was, and we are more blessed for having known him
Online condolences may be directed to the family by visiting garrettsykesfs.com. Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service - Ahoskie Chapel is honored to be assisting the Baker family during this time. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerry Ray Baker, please visit our floral store.