Theodore Baker Jr.

Theodore Baker, Jr., 82, died at his home in Norfolk on November 7, 2018. He was the eldest son of the late Theodore Baker, Sr. and Grace Baker. His parents emigrated from Greece 100 years ago. Teddy grew up in West Ghent and went to Taylor School, private school in Tarrytown, N.Y., Norfolk Academy, Maury High School, and his beloved University of Virginia. He remained a loyal friend to all he met along the way. He served in the National Guard and returned to Norfolk to work with his father at Twin City Tobacco Company, later becoming President of the company. In the 1960s, Teddy and his brother George founded Baker’s Fine Jewelry and Gifts from which Teddy recently retired. Teddy was predeceased by his wife Kay White Baker and is survived by his three brothers, George (Scottie), Byron, and Paul. His extended family includes his partner Nancy Barnes and her children; his nieces, Ann Baker, Mary Scott Baker, and Emily Baker Budlong (Todd); and his nephew, John Baker. Teddy was interested and very active in Norfolk city affairs. He enjoyed serving on multiple boards and gave countless volunteer hours to many. He served three terms as President of the Louise Eggleston Center and remained active there for 47 years. He was President of the Better Business Bureau of Hampton Roads, the Rotary Club of Norfolk, and the Norfolk Academy Alumni Association. Teddy was a southern gentleman with a giving and loving heart. He loved his family and his friends, but most of all, he loved his city of Norfolk. He memorialized his wife by establishing the Kay White Baker Art Fund at the Hampton Roads Community Foundation, 101 W. Main Street, Suite 4500, Norfolk, Virginia 23510, and donations to this Fund would please Teddy immensely. A visitation will be held at the H.D. Oliver Funeral Apts. on Colonial Avenue on Monday, November 12, from 5-7 pm. The burial will be private. There will be a memorial service at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in downtown Norfolk on Tuesday, November 13 at 2 pm. Reception to follow at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club. Online condolences may be sent to the family through www.hdoliver.com.