Richard Baker

Funeral services for Deacon Richard M. Baker, of Dublin, Georgia, will be held on Saturday, December 27, 2025, at 11 AM at the Turkey Creek Baptist Church, 828 Scotland Road in Dublin. Reverend Dr. Frederick C. Williams will deliver the eulogy. Interment will follow in Dudley Memorial Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the visitation on Friday, December 26, 2025, 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Dudley Funeral Home, 617 East Jackson Street in Dublin.
Born on Sunday, June 30, 1940, in rural Georgia to the late Deacon Sam B. and Thirlie Baker, Richard was an ideal example of Christian living. At an early age, he confessed Christ to be his personal Lord and Savior and was baptized at Mount Calvary Baptist Church at the age of 12. Later, in 1960, at the age of 19, Richard became a member of Turkey Creek Missionary Baptist Church because that is the church where the love of his life and wife, Christine, was a member. During the course of his 65-year church membership, Richard was a faithful and dependable servant who demonstrated his commitment to Christ through his actions and his deeds. Ordained as a Deacon in 1968, Richard embodied the spirit of a "Good and Faithful Servant" (Matthew 25:23). He was known for his quiet strength, warm smile, and a genuine servant's heart that touched everyone he met. Faithfully, Richard served at Turkey Creek in various capacities, to include leading and participating in the Men's Ministry and various Bible study groups. He also served as Deacon, Chairman of the Board of Deacons, Church Treasurer, TCMB Board Member, Choir Member and Choir Treasurer. Additionally, Richard was a member of the team that ensured the successful land purchase of the additional acreage that surrounds the church today and he was responsible for drawing the church's remodeling plans that is now reflected in the structure we see today.
Educated at Macon Junior College, Brewton-Parker College, the Professional Academy of Broadcasting and Georgia Tech in FCC Licensure, Richard spent many years working in the television and communications field, retiring in 2003 as a plant manager for what is now known as Charter Communications. Most recently, Deacon Baker worked as Bailiff for the Laurens County Superior Court.
Deacon Baker's life ministry extended far beyond the church walls as he was also committed to meeting the needs of the community, volunteering, visiting the sick, offering a listening ear, and praying for the pastoral staff and those in need daily. Years of active participation in both community and other outreach programs was a reflection of his belief in that "whatever you do for the least of these, you have done for me" (Matthew 25:40). Some of the organizations or boards to which Deacon Baker belonged include, the Laurens County Board of Tax Assessors, member of the Dublin Planning & Zoning Committee, Board of Trustees HCA Hospital, Georgia Power Advisory Committee, Heart of Georgia Adult Literacy Advisory Committee, United Way Council in Macon, Dublin Helping Hands Committee, Board of Trustees for Volunteers in Medicine, Dublin/Laurens Leadership Academy graduate, Dublin Recreation Department 16-year Volunteer Coach for Youth Baseball, Downtown Dublin Beautification Committee, and he mentored at-risk youth in the Dublin City School System. Deacon Baker was a Prince Hall Mason of Landmark Lodge #64 for 60 years, served 15-years in the position of secretary for the Royal Arch Mason Lodge #8, was a member of Eastern Star Fidelity Chapter #45. As a past Worthy Patron, he also served Dublin District #19 as District Worthy Patron and served as past Grand Trustee and past Grand Associate Patron for the Prince Hall Order of the Eastern Star of Georgia. In his spare time, Richard also enjoyed fishing and farming and of course, sharing the vegetables he grew with family and friends.
A family man, Deacon Baker cherished his beloved wife of 65 years, Christine. He was a committed husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who drew the love and respect of his family through his example of integrity and love.
Decon Ricard M. Baker, a man of unwavering faith, humility, and love, peacefully transitioned to eternal rest on December 19, 2025, at the age of 85. He was comforted by his devoted wife of 65 years, Christine Knight Baker. A true servant leader, Deacon Baker dedicated his life to God, to his family, and to uplifting the community through decades of faithful service.
He was preceded in death by several siblings: sisters, Mary Lizzie Edwards and Patricia Snell; brothers, Monroe Baker; Sylvester Baker; Rev. Johnny Baker; Curtis Baker; George Baker; James Baker, Ulyssee Baker and brother-in-Christ, Deacon Coleman Smith.
Deacon Baker leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Christine Knight Baker; son, Alan Welch (Crystal) Baker; daughter, Tracy Lynn (Michael) Batten; grandchildren; Elisa Baker, Demisha Baker, and Kovin Michael Batten; great-grandchildren, Amariah Taylor, Journee Morris, A'layiah Snead, and Jai'lee Harden. In addition to his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Richard is survived by sisters, Margaret Drayton and Shirley Massenburg (James), sisters-in-law, Earnestine Azini, and Mildred (Felipe) Morales, sister-in-Christ, Mrs. Catherine Smith, and godsister and godbrother, Faye Maria and Preston Chappell.
While our hearts are saddened by Deacon Richard Baker's passing, we take comfort in knowing that while he is "absent from the body," he is now in the presence of his Lord and Savior until we meet again.
Please post your condolences online at ServicesbyDudley.com
Services by Dudley Funeral Home and Cremations of Dublin