Billy Ray Baker of Fort Smith, Arkansas was born Sept. 7, 1943 in Healdsburg, California to William Baker and Lela (Hall) Baker and passed away Aug. 29, 2024 in Fort Smith, Arkansas at the age of 80.
Funeral services is 2 p.m. Tuesday at Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home Chapel in Heavener, with Reverend Howard Huddle officiating. Burial will follow in Howe Cemetery, under the direction of Dowden-Roberts Funeral Home of Heavener.
Billy was a 1961 graduate of Howe High School and a graduate of Eastern State College, where he played baseball. He was a member of Howe Baptist Church. He worked as an electrician for Whirlpool. Billy’s home was always open to everyone, and he loved nothing more than filling it with family and friends, sharing stories, laughter, and meals. He had a special gift for cooking and took pride in feeding everyone who walked through his door, always making sure no one left hungry. Billy was a proud veteran who served his country in the United States Army Reserves. A man of many talents and endless energy, he always found joy in keeping busy. He was especially passionate about gardening, and his homegrown tomatoes always had a spot on his table. Billy found great satisfaction in nurturing his plants and sharing the fruits of his labor with others. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. Billy will be deeply missed.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Doris Baker, of the home; two daughters Jeanie Webster of Fort Smith, Arkansas and Sheena Woods and family of Fayetteville, Arkansas; one sister, Mary Benson, of Oklahoma; one brother, Mackey Baker, of Howe; four grandchildren Shannon Spicer and family of Greenland, Arkansas, Michael Webster and family of Bentonville, Arkansas, Jacob Baker-Worlsey and family of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Erin Fish and husband of Conway, Arkansas; numerous great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other loved ones and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents William and Leela Baker; and his daughter, Kelli Baker-Worsley.
Pallbearers are Dustin Woods, Jacob Baker-Worsley, Greg Spicer, Nathan Fish, Elli Woods and David Benson.
Viewing is from 1 until 6 p.m. Sunday, 9 a.m. until 8:30 p.m. Monday and; 9 a.m. until service time Tuesday at the funeral home.
The family will visit with friends Monday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home.
To sign Billy’s online guestbook please visit www.dowdenrobertsfuneralhome.com.
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