Tommy R. Baker, age 84

Tommy R. Baker, age 84 of Rutherfordton, NC, passed on Thursday, July 13, 2023.

Born in Knoxville, TN, he was the son of James Ronald and Alberta Cate Baker. He was preceded in death by his parents and youngest brother, Michael Baker.

He is survived by his loving wife of 32 years, Lynda Baker; his brother, Robert Baker (Andrea Tebbets) of Raleigh; his children, Kristi Steinberg (Doug) of Reston, VA, Laura Criswell (Harry III) of Potomac, MD, Carmen Emerson and William Davis of Albany, GA; and five grandchildren.

Tom was a member of Bearden High School class of 1957. He then attended East Tennessee State University and the University of Tennessee. Tom spent his career in Marketing and Sales Management with Air Products & Chemicals, Inc., British Oxygen Corporation, Coloplast, Inc., and later with Voluntary Hospitals of America.

During their retirement years, Tom and Lynda owned and operated "The Wine Shop" in their hometown of Rutherfordton for 15 years.

The funeral service was held July 17, 2023, in the Padgett and King Chapel with Rev. Leslie Bush officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to the following charities, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for the Treatment of Parkinson's at, www.micaheljfox.org/donate-now, Community Pet Center (Rutherford County), 861 Piney Ridge Rd., Forest City, NC 28043, https//www.communitypetcenter.com/donate/, Paws Up Animal Rescue (1-888-422-7303) or Heart of the Foothills Animal Rescue, 380 US 221 N, Rutherfordton, NC 28139, www.heartofthefoothills.org.donate.

An online guest registry is available at www.padgettking.com