Search by Name

Search by Name

Elbert Baker Obituary

Dr. Elbert Baker, Jr.

Nashville, TN

Elbert "Bud" Walker Baker, Jr., age 80 of Nashville, TN, passed away Thursday, April 24, 2014 due to complications from surgery. He was surrounded by his loving family.

Dr. Baker is survived by his devoted wife June of 58 years; daughters, Mary Catherine McClellan (David) and Phyllis Vandewater (David); and five grandchildren, Gray, Alex and Carter McClellan, Emily and Sydney Vandewater.

He was born in May, 1933 to Elbert W. Baker, Sr. and Mary McDonald Baker. He graduated from Central High School in Manchester, TN, class of 1951 and from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, 1956. He served two years in the navy in Norfolk, VA.

Dr. Baker was a member of the Nashville Dental Society (Past President), Tennessee Dental Association, American Dental Association, Greater Nashville Dental Study Group, American College of Dentists-Fellow, International College of Dentists, former Board of Governors' National Alumni Association - University of Tennessee. He was a member of Covenant Presbyterian Church. He had a passion for treating the dental needs of the mentally handicapped and those with special needs. His love for these patients was boundless. "Poppy" delighted in spending time with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed all sports, hiking, gardening and bird watching.

A special thanks to Dr. David Huneycutt, Dr. Jackson Wray and the cardiac care team at Centennial Hospital for their care and support.

Visitation will be from 2 - 3:30 p.m., at Covenant Presbyterian Church on Sunday, April 27th. A service will follow at 4 p.m. A private family burial will be held on Saturday. Memorial donations may be made to the Interfaith Dental Clinic or Covenant Presbyterian Church.

Honorary Pallbearers: Dr. Zachary Adkins, Dr. William Bradford, Dr. Robert Edwards, Mr. Carl Estes, Dr. Matthias Gorham, Dr. Charles Harbison of Memphis, TN, Mr. Fredd Holiday, Dr. Gerald Jones of Chattanooga, TN, Dr. Calvin Johnson, Mr. Edd Lancaster, Dr. J. Howard McClain of Memphis, TN, Dr. John Payne, Mr. John Stokes, Dr. William Thetford, Dr. James Wert.

Harpeth Hills Funeral Home, (615) 646-9292.

www.harpethhills.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Tennessean on Apr. 26, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Elbert Baker

Not sure what to say?





Maria Browning

July 30, 2014

I am so sad to learn of Dr. Baker's death. He was my dentist for more than 30 years, and I was always impressed by his caring and kindness. He will be missed by many, I'm sure. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Angela Reed

June 25, 2014

I am so sorry to hear of Dr. Baker's passing. He has been my dentist for over 20 years. I will greatly miss his smile.

Cathy Jo Graves

June 22, 2014

I am deeply saddened to hear of Dr. Baker's passing. Dr. Baker has been my dentist for 27 years. Always so nice, kind, concerned, and even funny at times. Even when the office moved to Charlotte Avenue I would not change my dentist.....I followed his practice to the new location. My deepest sympathy to Mrs. Baker, his children, grandchildren, all family/friends and staff (which truly appeared to be an addition of his family).

Cynthia Kiefer

April 30, 2014

In loving memory of a wonderful, kind, generous, thoughtful and caring doctor! He always had a smile and an open heart to help others. Feel so blessed to have been one of his patients. His heart was larger than life itself! We will miss him always and know he will continue to live in our hearts and prayers. To his family and special needs patients: Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

jack fletcher

April 28, 2014

Dr. Baker was the definition of a Christian gentleman, exceptional dentist, and family man. We have all lost a wonderful friend. Dentistry and the University of Tennessee have lost a true ambassador of goodwill and service.

Patricia Matheny

April 28, 2014

Sadly missed!

Patricia Matheny

April 28, 2014

Dr. Baker has been my dentist for over 43 years and became my husband's dentist when we married almost 29 years ago. He was one of the most kind and thoughtful people. I have known. He will truly be missed. My husband and I send our most sincere deepest sympathy to the family and dental staff of Dr. Baker. Patricia & Daniel.

Pat Horvat

April 27, 2014

Bud was a very special friend for many years. I will always remember him as a true gentleman, a great father and a loving husband to his precious wife. I will miss his kind smile but know he is with our loving Father in heaven and I will see him again one day! My thoughts and prayers are with his beautiful family.

Paula Casey

April 26, 2014

Ethel and I are so sorry to hear about his passing. He was a wonderful man. We have such fond memories of growing up in Brandywine and baby-sitting for you all! We are thinking of you.

April 26, 2014

The individuals that Dr. Baker took such good care of and the Waves staff send our prayers to the family. Dr. Baker was a wonderful and compassionate man. We will all miss him.

April 26, 2014

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Gerald (Gerry) Jones

April 26, 2014

Bud was a competitor until the very end of his life in the best sense of the word. I have many fond memories spanning the years since we met at age five. He was a Christian gentleman which he exemplified in his personal as well as professional life. I shall miss him!

April 25, 2014

To the family of Buddy our prayers are with you during this difficult time. We were classmates and enjoyed seeing you and him at the reunions, June and Leonard Crouch

Showing 1 - 13 of 13 results

Make a Donation
in Elbert Baker's name

Memorial Events
for Elbert Baker

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens, Funeral Home & Cremation Center - Nashville

9090 Highway 100, Nashville, TN 37221

How to support Elbert's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Elbert Baker's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more