Mr. Ralph Douglas Baker, age 85 of Sparta, passed away at 7:30pm on Monday, March 8, 2021 at Alive Hospice of Murfreesboro.

Mr. Baker was born January 19, 1936 in the Bon Air Community of White County to the late Landon and Lena Mae King Baker. He began working on cars at the age of 13 and worked as a mechanic as various shops until he opened North East Transmission in 1976. He was a car and motorcycle enthusiast. Ralph was a member of the Good Time Cruisers and proudly showed his 1956 Olds and 1948 Nash. He enjoyed playing guitar but his pride and joy was his grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by brothers Virgil, Edward, Cordell, Vivian and Robert Earl Baker; sister Genice Howard.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years Minerva Lee Baker of Sparta

Two children: Charles (Debbie) Baker and Glenda (Max) Guy all of Sparta

Grandchildren: David Guy, Candace Guy, Rhett (Andrea) Baker and Reagan Baker

Great-grandchildren: Gage Guy, Camden Wright, Everly Richardson and Bailey Baker

Sister: Louise Hensley

Several nieces and nephews also survive

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00pm Thursday, March 11, 2021 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Clouse Cemetery. The family will receive friends after 11:00am Thursday at Hunter Funeral Home. Dewey Young will officiate.