Joe Baker Jr.

Joe Ray Baker, Jr. of Terrell, passed away on the morning of October 23, 2023 at his home. Joe was born December 29, 1956 in Dallas, Texas and raised with love by Joe Ray, Sr., and Dorothy Victoria Baker, both of whom preceded him in death. Joe grew up in Crandall and was a graduate of Crandall High School. He loved cars, heavy duty trucks, diesel trucks and all their engines. He worked on engines and was a heavy machinery mechanic where his abilities were well known amongst his colleagues and friends. For most his life, Joe was involved in racing almost anything that had wheels whether it was a late model car, modified car, street stock and even BMX bikes. On July 18, 1998, he married Rhonda, joined their families together and was blessed with more generations. It was an understatement to say that Joe was a devoted grandfather, and his face was a familiar sight at each of his beloved grandchildren’s activities. Joe never missed an opportunity to be their biggest supporter whether it was football, basketball, baseball, softball, dance recitals or anything each of them was involved in. Weekends not at the grandkids events, Joe could be found relaxing with Rhonda at the house, watching NASCAR. If racing wasn’t on, he’d catch a mechanic show about cars or a quick nap. He was also an avid puzzler and there were many hours he spent with family putting together puzzles with his characteristic way of keeping all the pieces organized so he could find them easily! Joe was actively involved in the Rotary Club of Terrell and the smiles of local residents and businesses while putting out the flags was always a welcome sight. Joe was an active member of Chisholm Baptist Church where he served on the landscaping committee and could often be found mowing the acreage around the sanctuary. Joe Baker was an amazing, quiet kind of a man, but he would do the world for anyone who needed him. He was a great example of that mind of Christ to esteem others more than self. Joe’s spirit of love and devotion will be proudly carried on by all who knew him. He was an amazing husband, father, grandfather, Papa Joe, brother and friend. He will be forever cherished by his wife, Rhonda Baker of Terrell; children: Jason Baker and wife, Amanda, of Terrell, Jeremie Baker and fiancée, Lauren Sanders, of Crandall, Kayce McBride and husband, Clevern, of Terrell and Matt Taylor and wife, Michelle, of Bullard, TX; grandchildren: Taylor and Georgia Baker, Tyler, Madison and Tatum Baker, Brayden and Sophia McBride, Mason and Madilyn Taylor; great granddaughter, Elyanah Baker; brother, Randy Baker and wife, Cindy; mother-in-law, Odie Davis as well as nieces, nephews, other extended family members and many friends. Funeral service will be at 2:00pm, Monday, October 30, 2023 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with interment to follow at Highland Memorial Gardens. His family will receive friends from 2:00pm to 4:00pm, Sunday, October 29, at the funeral home. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in honor of Joe to the Brain Trauma Foundation that does research on Traumatic Brain Injuries at https://braintrauma.org/donate

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Joe Baker Jr.

December 29, 1956 - October 23, 2023