December 23, 2021, 64, Goldsboro –

William “Gary” Baker passed away at home surrounded by his family on December 23rd from recently diagnosed cancer. He was preceded in death by his mother, Ida Brunson McLeod, his brother, J. Phil McLeod Jr. and his biological father William Baker. He is survived by his wife, Brigitte Baker of the home, his son Riley Baker (Meredith) of Goldsboro, son Camden Baker and daughter Samantha Baker, both of the home. He is also survived by his father J. Phil McLeod and sister Julia Baker Cannon, both from Goldsboro, his sister Stacy Baker Graham of Raleigh, sisters Sandy Perkinson of Smithfield and Dawn Surkis (Mark) of Raleigh. He leaves behind his beloved granddaughter’s Ivy and Willow Baker, his niece Claire Cannon and her daughter Kloey and his nephew Chandler Cannon (Bailee) and their daughter Grace. He leaves his nephews Morgan and Conner McLeod of Myrtle Beach, SC., his dear Aunts Joy Fields, Pat Munn and Jackie Flowers and many beloved cousins in Florence, SC.

Gary attended Sandhills Community College where he was a pitcher on the baseball team and then graduated from East Carolina University with a degree in Political Science and Business. He then joined the US Navy where he served on the USS Lawrence during the Persian Gulf. After his military service, Gary was an insurance agent for State Farm Insurance and later for Allstate Insurance. He was known to go above and beyond for all of his clients and enjoyed those relationships very much.

Gary was an avid golfer his entire life and enjoyed playing his “home” course of Falling Creek Country Club the most. He leaves behind many dear golfing friends there. He also was a talented painter that left his family and friends with many pieces of art to enjoy.

Gary loved his family and loved the Lord. He was a quiet man that never wanted to draw attention to his many acts of kindness and generosity. He would give money to clients and strangers that were in a jam, stop and help those stranded on the highway with car trouble, help connect those in need with furnishings, food and money. He often never told the people his name and was uncomfortable if he was acknowledged for these random acts of kindness that peppered his daily life.

He was a devoted son that spent the last several years taking care of his parent’s yard and pool. After his mother passed away he began taking care of his father completely by driving him to all appointments and their daily lunch date at the Lantern in Goldsboro and just sitting with him and watching westerns on TV so he would not be alone.

Graveside service will be held at Eastern Carolina State Veterans Cemetery in Goldsboro on Thursday, December 30th at 10 am with visitation to follow at the home, 702 Lake Shore Drive, Goldsboro, NC 27534. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pink Hill United Methodist Church and the Wounded Warrior Project. We would like to thank 3HC for the excellent support and care they provided. Also a special thank you to nurses Mary and Beverly in particular but to all the staff at UNC Rex Hospital who were so wonderful to us in a very difficult time.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.seymourfuneralhome.com