William "Bill" Earl Baker, Sr.

William “Bill” Earl Baker, 82, of Charleston, SC, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2026.

Born on April 1, 1943 in Atkins, AR, Bill was the son of the late Minnie King Baker and the late Orvil Frank Baker. Bill grew up in Vian, OK, with his 7 siblings and was a star athlete and scholar. After junior college, he joined the Navy and was assigned to Pensacola Naval Air Station, where he met the love of his life, Edna Lagergren.

Bill and Edna married on December 5th, 1966, marking the beginning of a loving, dedicated life together. After obtaining a BA in Accounting, Bill began his career as an auditor for the Department of the Navy Accounting Service. Bill, Edna, and their four young children moved to Charleston in 1974. Bill was active in his children’s pursuits, coaching them for many years in football, basketball, and baseball. His love for sports and even greater love for his family meant he never missed the opportunity to cheer on his children and, later, grandchildren. Bill enjoyed spoiling his family not just with generosity, but with his time and devotion to their interests. He was up for anything with his children and grandchildren, whether it was sports and recreational activities or using his woodworking skills to build the perfect stage for a once in a lifetime performance.

In addition to a successful career in the Naval Audit Service, he retired as a Master Sergeant in the Air Force Reserves. Bill was also an active Mason for many years and served as Worshipful Master of the James Island Masonic Lodge #396.

Bill was someone you could count on and was wise in his counsel. In his quiet, caring way, he provided clear and consistent guidance. He was someone who knew something about almost every topic. He was a father figure and role model not only for his children and grandchildren, but also to the many other lives he impacted through coaching, teaching, and work.

Bill is now reunited with his beloved wife and parents. He is survived by his daughter, Donna Davenport (Mackie), son, Darryl Crain (Linda), son, William “Billy” Baker, Jr. (Robin), and son, Scott Baker (Amy), as well as 11 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, and many other relatives and family friends who will miss him dearly. What a blessing to have had this wonderful man in our lives.

The family will hold a private burial at Barrancas National Cemetery in Pensacola, FL, where he will join his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Edna Lagergren Baker.