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In Memory Of
J C Baker
Mr. J C Baker (Command Sergeant Major, Army, Retired), age 86, of Roopville passed away November 30, 2018.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday December 3, 2018 at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Stutts Funeral Home with the Rev. Michael Hornsby officiating. Interment will follow in Unity Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors.
The family will accept guests at Stutts Funeral Home Monday afternoon from 12:00 – 2:00 PM prior to the service.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday December 3, 2018 at 2:00 PM from the chapel of Stutts Funeral Home with the Rev. Michael Hornsby officiating. Interment will follow in Unity Baptist Church Cemetery with full military honors.
The family will accept guests at Stutts Funeral Home Monday afternoon from 12:00 – 2:00 PM prior to the service.
Mr. Baker was born January 13, 1932 in Pell City, AL. J C was raised from an early age by his father, Carlos Baker, and Emma Baker, who his father married after J C’s mother passed away while J C was an infant. They instilled in him a strong work ethic and a love for God and Country that would last his entire life.
He joined the US Army and began his service as a part of the European Occupation Forces following World War II.
After the beginning of the Korean War he was sent into battle on two tours of duty. It was in Korea that he earned the first of two bronze stars. He and a fellow soldier led a small platoon to recapture a position under heavy fire to save a group of allied soldiers. He earned a second bronze star while fighting in Korea.
He experienced harsh conditions during the Korean winter, and suffered frostbite in his feet from frozen combat boots. This incident caused him to have foot problems for the rest of his life.
He remained in the army after the Korean War and served two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he earned two additional bronze stars.
He retired as a Command Sergeant Major after over 20 years of service to his country. In addition to four bronze stars, he earned the Purple Heart, Army Occupation Medal (Germany), Combat Infantryman Badge, UN Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Driver’s Badge with Bar, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Badge (M-14) and Meritorious Service Medal.
After retirement he moved to Mississippi, where he developed a successful cattle business.
In 1979, he moved to Georgia where he and his wife, Mary (who he met while serving his country) opened a grocery business. For many years his store was known as the “Bent Can Store.” He had a location in Centralhatchee, then moved it to Roopville. He never wanted a family to go hungry, and often gave food to needy families who could not afford to feed themselves.
He raised his children to work just like he did, but was always willing to help them in times of need.
He was a huge fan of the Atlanta Braves. He watched every minute of every game and lived and died with every pitch. He also loved to watch the Atlanta Falcons, the Georgia Bulldogs, and NASCAR racing.
Survivors include: two daughters: Karen Baker of Roopville and Carolyn Delano of Franklin; two sons: Billy Baker (Misty) of Roopville and Jerry Baker of Oregon; eight grandchildren; a number of great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
In addition to his father, his birth mother, and the mother who raised him, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lee Roberts Baker, and a son, Curtis Baker.
He joined the US Army and began his service as a part of the European Occupation Forces following World War II.
After the beginning of the Korean War he was sent into battle on two tours of duty. It was in Korea that he earned the first of two bronze stars. He and a fellow soldier led a small platoon to recapture a position under heavy fire to save a group of allied soldiers. He earned a second bronze star while fighting in Korea.
He experienced harsh conditions during the Korean winter, and suffered frostbite in his feet from frozen combat boots. This incident caused him to have foot problems for the rest of his life.
He remained in the army after the Korean War and served two tours of duty in Vietnam, where he earned two additional bronze stars.
He retired as a Command Sergeant Major after over 20 years of service to his country. In addition to four bronze stars, he earned the Purple Heart, Army Occupation Medal (Germany), Combat Infantryman Badge, UN Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Driver’s Badge with Bar, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Expert Badge (M-14) and Meritorious Service Medal.
After retirement he moved to Mississippi, where he developed a successful cattle business.
In 1979, he moved to Georgia where he and his wife, Mary (who he met while serving his country) opened a grocery business. For many years his store was known as the “Bent Can Store.” He had a location in Centralhatchee, then moved it to Roopville. He never wanted a family to go hungry, and often gave food to needy families who could not afford to feed themselves.
He raised his children to work just like he did, but was always willing to help them in times of need.
He was a huge fan of the Atlanta Braves. He watched every minute of every game and lived and died with every pitch. He also loved to watch the Atlanta Falcons, the Georgia Bulldogs, and NASCAR racing.
Survivors include: two daughters: Karen Baker of Roopville and Carolyn Delano of Franklin; two sons: Billy Baker (Misty) of Roopville and Jerry Baker of Oregon; eight grandchildren; a number of great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends.
In addition to his father, his birth mother, and the mother who raised him, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Lee Roberts Baker, and a son, Curtis Baker.
The Staff of Stutts Funeral Home is honored to support this family with End of Life Services.
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JC was my childhood BEST friend when we both lived on the Bend in Ragland Alabama. We went on a many of barefooted adventures there on the river. It was hard on me when his family moved away & I never, ever forgot him and our friendship.
He paid me a surprise visit years later when I was stationed in Korea but I was put on a temporary assignment & missed him by 1 day.
It was my pleasure to reconnect and visit with JC in 2017. Thank you Billy for helping make that happen.
JC was a great boy and grew up to be a great man. I am extremely proud to have been known as his friend more than 75 years ago and to consider his friendship still.
My prayers go out to his family.
Lawrence Somers
He paid me a surprise visit years later when I was stationed in Korea but I was put on a temporary assignment & missed him by 1 day.
It was my pleasure to reconnect and visit with JC in 2017. Thank you Billy for helping make that happen.
JC was a great boy and grew up to be a great man. I am extremely proud to have been known as his friend more than 75 years ago and to consider his friendship still.
My prayers go out to his family.
Lawrence Somers
Billy, Karen, Carolyn and Jerry I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you. Your father (Uncle JC) was a great father, husband and brother. He will be missed and was loved by everyone. I love you all and will be there if you need me. Love Mary Lou Baker Mann
Salute to a Hero. Rest In Peace Sir🇺🇸 (Phillip Hanners)
Will be forever missed!
Thank you for your expression of confidence by selecting our services. May time bring you comfort and strength.
Sincerely, The Staff and Management of Stutts Funeral Home
Sincerely, The Staff and Management of Stutts Funeral Home
