Mr. William C. "Bill" Baker, age 66 of Sparta, passed away at 7:09pm Tuesday, August 2, 2022, 3 days before his birthday,  at Cookeville Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.  Bill was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in Mid June and left this earth for his heavenly home exactly 1 and half months later.

He was born August 5, 1955 in Sparta, TN to the late William Thomas Baker and Lorene Blaylock Baker.  He was also blessed to have a very special aunt & uncle, the late Claude & Ruth Gilmore who helped raise him.  He had a special love of dirt bikes, deer hunting, 4wd trucks and going on jeep rides in the woods with family and friends.  His 3 granddaughters were the apple of his eye and always made him smile.  He also loved his Friday Night "Ride Arounds" with special friends Buddy Knowles and James Jones.

Along with his parents and special aunt and uncle, he was also preceded in death by his sisters:  Joyce Ann Baker Cruise and Shirley Willene Baker.

He is survived by his wife:  Rita Myers Baker

Daughter: Carrie Baker Day & husband Frankie

Son: William Matthew Baker & girlfriend: Chazlynn Hood

Granddaughters:  Sarah Robbins, Celisity Bradley, and Kaylen Day

Brothers:  Bob Baker & wife Louise and Deland Baker & wife Ann

cousin/sister: Ann Gilmore Golden & husband Mike

Stepmother: Paula Baker

Along with several nieces, nephews,  and cousins

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00pm Saturday, August 6, 2022 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home with burial in Oak Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends after 11:00am Saturday at Hunter Funeral Home. Bro. David Copeland will officiate the service.

Pallbearers:  James Jones, Darrell Simmons, Michael Simmons, John Raper, Billy Gilbert, and Michael Austin

In Lieu of Flowers, the Baker family wishes donations be made to Hunter Funeral Home, PO Box 90, Sparta, TN 38583 to help with funeral expenses.