Dr. William Thomas "Tom" Baker Jr

Dr. William Thomas "Tom" Baker, Jr., Johnson City, died Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at Sycamore Shoals Hospital, following a lengthy illness. Dr. Baker was a native of Rogersville and grew up in both Rogersville and Oak Ridge. He was a son of the late William Thomas and Gayle Lane Baker. Tom was a 1960 graduate of Oak Ridge High School, attended U.T. Knoxville from 1961-62, where he majored in Pre-Med, and continued his education at U.T. Memphis Dental School, where he received his Doctorate in Dentistry in 1965. Dr. Baker practiced General Dentistry in Johnson City from 1968 until his retirement in 2022. During this time, he was honored to assist local pathologists in forensic identification. Tom was a very active member of the First District Dental Society, TDA and ETADPA where he held numerous offices. He was a Captain in the U.S. Army, serving his country in active duty from 1966-68, then the Army Reserves from 1968-72. Dr. Baker was a longtime, faithful member of Munsey Memorial United Methodist Church until his illness no longer allowed him to attend. Tom was an active member of the U.T. Alumni Association, an avid Vols Football fan, and a longtime season ticket holder. GO VOLS! In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Katie Baker, and a brother, Ed Baker. Dr. Baker is survived by his loving wife of more than fifty-nine years, Liz Baker; daughter, Kathie Baker; son, Steve Baker (Anja); granddaughter, Annie Baker; sister, Nancy Hodnatt (Sam); brother, Jim Baker; four nephews and one niece. The family would like to express their appreciation to the Doctor's, Nurses, and staff of SOFA Healthcare and Sycamore Shoals Hospital for the excellent care given to Tom during his illness. The family will receive friends Saturday from 12:00 – 2:00 in the East Parlor of Appalachian Funeral Home, then proceed to the cemetery for services. Family and friends may join the procession or meet at the cemetery. The graveside funeral service will be held Saturday, August 30, 2025, at 2:30 P.M., in the Mausoleum Chapel of Washington County Memory Gardens, with special friend of the family, Mark Fleenor, officiating. Interment will follow in the cemetery. Those who prefer to make memorial donations may do so in Tom's memory to the charity of their choice. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.appfh.net. Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, is honored to serve the Baker family. (423-928-6111) To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Dr. William Thomas "Tom" Baker, Jr, please visit our Tree Store.