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Russell P. Baker Jr., 92, a lifelong resident of Charlotte County, passed away early Monday morning, Feb. 26. He was born on April 26, 1931, the eldest son of Russell P. Baker Sr. and Annie Allen Baker. Russell was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Hamlett Baker and three brothers, Ed Baker, Jack Baker and Roy Baker.

He was a member of Eureka Baptist Church, where he served for many years as a Deacon and trustee. For thirty years he was a supervisor at Burlington Industries in Drakes Branch. During and after those years he enjoyed playing golf, gardening, woodworking and building cabins with his brother Roy.

In more recent days, he enjoyed music and dancing at various local gatherings, where he could always be counted on to pray the blessing before food was served, and to “tell a little story” or a joke to entertain the crowd.

In 1952, Russell married Ethel Hamlett. Together they had two children, Steven Baker (Carolyn) of Keysville, and Audrey Baker Davidson (Don) of Daytona Beach, Florida; three grandsons, John Mark Davidson (Daniela) of Austin, Texas, Nash Baker (Elizabeth) of Northlake, Texas, and Nick Baker (Madison) of Keysville. Most recently he delighted in his three great grandchildren, Lucy Davidson, Brooks Baker and Jack Baker. 

Russell had eight siblings and is survived by Peggy East, Doris Jones, Nancy Fowler, Margaret Jenkins and Larry Baker.

Russell Baker will be remembered as a wise and generous man who never met a stranger. He was a Christian man who always tried to do the right thing. As an excellent raconteur, he made characters real and imagined come alive in his telling.

The family would like to thank the Woodland’s staff and the Centra Hospice Care Team for their devotion and dedication to our loved one.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to: Ash Camp Baptist Church, Eureka Baptist Cemetery Fund or Philbeck’s Music House.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Friday, March 1, at Ash Camp Baptist Church, Keysville. The family will receive friends at the church one hour prior to the funeral service. A reception will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. Interment will be private at the Eureka Baptist Church Cemetery.

The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville is in charge of arrangements.