John Raymond Baker Jr., successful businessman
John Raymond Baker Jr., 90, of Millsboro, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Nov. 4, 2015, with loving family at his bedside at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes. He was born in Bridgeville, Aug. 8, 1925, the only child of Hilda Short Baker and John Raymond Baker Sr.
Called to service in World War II directly out of high school, J. Raymond served his country proudly in the U.S. Coast Guard. Following the closing of the war, he settled in Millsboro, raised his family, and embarked on what was to become one of the largest holly wreath preservation businesses on the East Coast. With invaluable guidance from his father and father-in-law, John J. Williams, and possessing himself a keen business sense, he launched into many other successful businesses in his lifetime, including Sussex Realty Company and Williams & Baker Inc., developer of Winding Creek Village, a waterfront community on Guinea and Herring creeks.
He was a longtime member of Grace United Methodist Church in Millsboro and a 32nd degree Mason. He served for many years on the board of the Millsboro Trust Company, later known as the Bank of Delaware and PNC Bank. His love of family knew no bounds, and was a great joy and high priority to him. With his dry sense of humor and love of people, he will be remembered by his many friends. He was a generous benefactor to many, including his church, the Beebe Medical Foundation and Delaware Technical Community College.
J. Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Blanche Williams Baker; two daughters, Janet B. McCarty of Millsboro, and Holly B. Coates and her husband Bob of Sedona, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Michael McCarty of Holly Springs, N.C., his wife Sylvia and great-grandchildren Sean and Kaci; Megan McCarty Brookhart of Cary, N.C., her husband Scott, and great-grandchildren Kathryn and Lindsey; Layla de Luria of Wynnewood, Pa., her husband Marcos, and great-grandchildren Mateo and Nico; and Julia A. Ware of Narbeth, Pa. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lora B. Ware of Lancaster, Pa.
The family would like to thank the staff and caregivers of Beebe Healthcare and Cadia Renaissance Center for their loving and compassionate care of their husband, father and grandfather.
Friends may visit with the family at Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Road in Millsboro, Tuesday, Nov. 10, starting at 1 p.m., with funeral services to follow at 2 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Grace UMC, P.O. Box 566, Millsboro, DE 19966, or the Beebe Medical Foundation, 902 Savannah Rd, Lewes, DE 19958.
Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.melsonfuneralservices.com.
