Thomas Wilton Baker

Published 6:24 pm Tuesday, March 15, 2016

Thomas Wilton Baker, 85, died peacefully on March 14, 2016. Born July 13, 1930, he grew up in Surry County on the family farm. He was the son of Charlie Wilton Baker and Mabury Gardner Baker.

Serving in the US Army during the Korean War, he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Tom retired from DuPont after 33 years of service. He continued working during retirement in several business interests. He also traveled with the North Carolina Baptist Association, participating in building churches and renovating homes in the United States and abroad. He worked with local missions to meet housing needs of people in the Wilmington community.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gladys Savedge Baker. He is also survived by his children, Brenda Baker Paschal (Jeff), Wanda Baker Prevatte (Mike), Thomas W. Baker Jr. (Mali) and Pamela Baker Sammons (Todd). In addition, he is survived by nine grandchildren, Amy Davis (Greyson), Julie Jones (Kevin), Meagan Lewis (Daniel), Scott Prevatte (Allison), Daniel Baker (Mikanna), Natalie Baker, Wesley Sammons, Jill Sammons and Bryan Sammons. Great-grandchildren are Lana, Willow and Skylar Prevatte, Charlotte and Henry Davis, Emma Lewis, David Jones and Collyn Baker.

Also left to cherish his memory are his sisters Cynthia McKettrick (Bill), Linda Baker and Carol Newcomb (James), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Scotts Hill Baptist Church and the loving helpers that have ministered to Tom and Gladys in recent months: Jennie, Doris, Tammy, Deborah, Anne and nurse Cindy.

A visitation was held Wednesday, March 16 in Wilmington, N.C.  The funeral will take place Thursday, March 17, at 3 p.m. at Scotts Hill Baptist Church, 185 Scotts Hill Loop Rd., Wilmington, NC. A celebration of life will follow at Moore’s Swamp Baptist Church at 11 a.m. in Surry on Saturday, March 19.
Contributions in honor of Tom can be made to The American Heart Association or Scotts Hill Baptist Church mission fund.