Clyde Baker
Clyde Robert Baker, 90, entered the gates of heaven on April 14, 2021, at his Red Bank residence with his family and caregivers at his side.
Clyde Robert was born to the late Clyde C. and Edith (Keyt) Baker, of Spencer, Tn., on July 25, 1930. He began his school days at Hixson Elementary and graduated from Van Buren High School in 1948. After attending Tennessee Tech, he began his teaching career in rural two-room county schools, White Hill, Lonewood and New Martin. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1951 and served in Korea with the 1st Cavalry Division. During his overseas deployment, Clyde faithfully maintained the courtship of his 4H agent, Phyllis Nichols, by correspondence with over 700 love letters. After he safely returned from duty, they married on June 20, 1953, at Spencer Baptist Church. Clyde entered Bob Jones University in Greenville, SC on the GI bill and received his BS degree from the School of Education in 1956 while Phyllis taught at her alma mater. In addition, he holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Chattanooga. Chattanooga Public Schools employed Clyde where he taught fifth grade at Clara Carpenter School. During this time, he was also employed part time at Sears, Roebuck and Company. He began full time employment as a division manager at the downtown store and continued his 50-year career at Northgate and Hamilton Place Malls.
The Bakers were residents of Duncan Hills in Red Bank for 20 years before relocating to Harrison for the next 40 years. He earned the designation of master gardener from UT and enjoyed gardening of all types. He raised goats, sheep, chickens and peacocks on the B & B Ranch where his sheep were used for 4H shearing demonstrations.
Clyde Robert accepted Christ as his Savior at Spencer Missionary Baptist Church during a spring revival and was baptized in Cane Creek at age 16. Red Bank Baptist Church had been his church home for the last 44 years where he served as deacon, senior adult president and Sunday School department director while actively participating in Idaho and Honduras Orphanage Emmanuel mission endeavors. Civic accomplishments include: president of Chattanooga Education Association and lifetime member of PTA, vice-mayor of Red Bank, recipient of Sears’ Outstanding Citizen Award, Hamilton County Agriculture Hall of Fame inductee and Hamilton County Fair Committee member. He was actively involved at the county fair for 20 years where he enjoyed participating at all levels, especially the children’s duck show.
Clyde Robert is survived by his wife of 67 years, Phyllis Baker, children, David (Patricia) Baker and Priscilla (Brian) Lamkin; three grandchildren: Christina (Josh) Shapiro, Lauren (Michael) Bailey and Jonathan (Hailey) Lamkin; and great-grandchildren: Catherine, Hannah and Aaron Shapiro, Christina, Brian, Ashley and Caroline Bailey. Surviving siblings are Rachel Evelyn Logan of Acworth, GA, Edwin (Barbara) Baker of Harrison and Deanie Rosenthal of Monroe, GA; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Thank you to Summit View Retirement Community, Hearth Hospice and Heavenly Home Care staff and employees for their loving devotion and care.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 20, from 10-11:30 a.m. at Lane Funeral Home with funeral service at 11:30 a.m. in the Coulter chapel of Lane Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Chattanooga National Cemetery at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Red Bank Baptist Church World Missions Offering or Benevolence Fund.
Arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, www.lanefh.com, 423 877-3524.