Celebrating the life of
John Henry Baker, Jr.
July 10, 1921 - November 25, 2013
John Henry Baker, Jr., 92, died at home on November 25, 2013. Born July 10, 1921, he grew up in Savannah where he lived for the rest of his life. He was married to Gladys McCain Baker for 70 years. She preceded him in death this summer.
He was a military man and decorated hero. He attended Riverside Military Academy for six years, fought in the Army Infantry under Gen. Patton in WW II and liberated several concentration camps.
He was "The Orchid Man". He raised, showed, and judged orchids from the early 1960s. He generously shared his knowledge and hundreds of orchids themselves for nearly half a century.
He was a sailor. He was recognized for his racing achievements by the Georgia Hall of Fame. His proudest accomplishment was organizing his beloved Rinky Dink Sailing Club for children in his neighborhood on the Vernon River and embedding a love for the sport in scores of them.
He is survived by his daughter, Amy Baker; his son, John Henry Baker, III; and his granddaughter, Daisy Eleanor, of Ohio and his good friend, William A. Baker, Jr.
A Lowering of the Flag ceremony will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27, on the bluff at the family home at 9962 Whitefield Ave., Montgomery Village.
In lieu of flowers asks that remembrances be made to Hospice Savannah, Inc., P.O. Box 13190, Savannah, GA 31406.
Please sign our online guestbook at www.foxandweeks.com
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
Johnny Bruce and I remember all the Rotary parties out at your parents house and how he loved to show off all of his Orchids. We were amazed at his flower house. He was a wonderful man and I know a great father. Loosing two parents so close together is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with you. My mother past away just this past Friday 11/30 so I know a little of what you are going through. My heart is broken for you. Condolences to you and all your family. Was so sorry to hear about Gerald too
- Brenda Plummer, Savannah, GA
Eight bells for a good sailor and a fine man. May he rest in eternal peace. With sadness and respect, John mulligan
- John mulligan, Savannah, GA
We have many fond memories of his great generosity at Baker Yachts for the Geechee Sailing Club. His long journey has ended into the hands of the Lord and great peace. Our deepest sympathy.
- Tim and Judy Grissette, Savannah, GA
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. You can take comfort that sickness and death will be a thing of the past. The Bible promises that Jehovah God 'will swallow up death forever, and....will wipe away the tears from all faces.' Isaiah 25:8 May 'the God of comfort' bring comfort to you during this difficult time.
- Mrs. Khan, , GA
I was very fortunate to have had John as a friend over many years. He shared an orchid with me that was given to him by my Grandfather when I was still a child. We shared a love of orchids as well as Savannah and the sea. I will miss him very much. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the happy memories of him will be ever in your mind. Jennifer Cook
- Jennifer Cook, Eden, GA
Johnny Bruce and I remember all the Rotary parties out at your parents house and how he loved to show off all of his Orchids. We were amazed at his flower house. He was a wonderful man and I know a great father. Loosing two parents so close together is heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers are with you. My mother past away just this past Friday 11/30 so I know a little of what you are going through. My heart is broken for you. Condolences to you and all your family. Was so sorry to hear about Gerald too
- Brenda Plummer, Savannah, GA
Eight bells for a good sailor and a fine man. May he rest in eternal peace. With sadness and respect, John mulligan
- John mulligan, Savannah, GA
We have many fond memories of his great generosity at Baker Yachts for the Geechee Sailing Club. His long journey has ended into the hands of the Lord and great peace. Our deepest sympathy.
- Tim and Judy Grissette, Savannah, GA
I would like to express my deepest sympathy for your loss. You can take comfort that sickness and death will be a thing of the past. The Bible promises that Jehovah God 'will swallow up death forever, and....will wipe away the tears from all faces.' Isaiah 25:8 May 'the God of comfort' bring comfort to you during this difficult time.
- Mrs. Khan, , GA
I was very fortunate to have had John as a friend over many years. He shared an orchid with me that was given to him by my Grandfather when I was still a child. We shared a love of orchids as well as Savannah and the sea. I will miss him very much. I am so sorry for your loss. I hope the happy memories of him will be ever in your mind. Jennifer Cook
- Jennifer Cook, Eden, GA
Services under the direction of:
Fox & Weeks Funeral Directors, Hodgson Chapel
912-352-7200
