Johnny Wayne Baker

Johnny Wayne Baker passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 18, 2024. He was born at Fort Benning, GA on July 19, 1956. Johnny moved around the world with his military family, spending the majority of his life in Lynn Haven, FL. Even though he called himself retired, he still continued to help others with his special lifelong friends, Lee Roy and Paula Clements, as a locksmith at American Lock & Safe. Johnny had spent over 45 years in law enforcement. He served his country in the U.S. Air Force, served his state with the Florida Department of Corrections at the Northwest Florida Reception Center, his county at the Bay County Jail, and his community with Wells Fargo Armored Car Service. Johnny did all this while he supported his wife in her dream of owning and operating a private school, where they both taught and mentored countless children like they were their own. He was the epitome of what it means to be a husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, boss, employee and friend. Johnny enjoyed playing his collection of guitars, with the steel guitar being his favorite. He never met a stranger and will leave behind a lifelong lasting impression on so many people.
Johnny leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Dorothy Sue Baker of Southport, FL; daughters, Angela Jalovec (Edward) and Cherie Zebroski (Jeremy); grandchildren, Ethan and Emily Kirkland, Hayley Duncan, Eddie, Emma and Isabella Jalovec and another about to make his appearance, Holton Wayne; brother, Jeffrey Baker (Melanie); sister, Cynthia Deyo; brother-in-law, Earley Carter; nieces, Maria, Cathy, Elisha, Jennie and Kristi; nephews, Buddy, Jonathan and Griffin, along with their children and grandchildren; adopted children, JC and Jennifer Gough, along with their children, Savannah and Joshua.
He was preceded in death by his father, Johnny Franklin Baker; mother, Sara Brannon; father-in-law, JB Carter; mother-in-law, Luvenia Carter; sister-in-law, Mary Carter; son-in-law, James Kirkland; and nephew, Jeffrey Baker.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the ER and ICU staff at HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital. They showed the utmost care and compassion to us all, as he was also a cherished friend to many there for over 20 years.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home.
A funeral service will take place on Friday, April 26, 2024 at 3:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, with Pastor Nixon Riley officiating. Interment will follow at Southport Memorial Gardens.
Serving as pallbearers are Earley Carter, JC Gough, Joshua Gough, Wayne King, Nathaniel Clark and Wesley Clark.
Honorary pallbearers include LJ Kelly, Calvin Tharp, HE Ellis, Michael Freitas and Freddie Porter.