Terry Leroy Baker

Terry LeRoy Baker, age 79, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, June 18, 2023 after battling 25+ years of congestive heart failure. Terry was surrounded by his wife of 57 years, Phyllis; daughter Kathleen; son Brian; daughter-in-law Julie; grandchildren Lindsay and Jacob; Curt and Cindy Biggar; Justin and Calie Cook and their daughters, Rory and Arie; Christopher and Katelyn Biggar; Josh Biggar; Anna Groover; Devin Taitague; and Jeremy and Jaysa Biggar and their daughter Jovie.

Terry is survived by all his family mentioned above as well as his brothers, Danny (Beth Ann) Baker and David Baker; twin sister Mary (Jack) Coppess; sisters Peggy DeWitt; Sallie (Jim) White; Bonnie (Kenny) Carter; brother-in-law Greg (Rhonda) Phelps and sisters-in-law Pat (Bob) Rath and Connie Tuggle. Terry has many nieces and nephews. Terry is proceeded in death by his parents, Glenn and Mary Jane Baker; brothers Larry and Jackie Baker; mother-in-law Irene Long; father-in-law Les Phelps; and step-father-in- law Charles Long.

Born and raised in Shelby, OH, his family moved to Johnstown, OH while he was in high school. Terry excelled in all sports as a Shelby Whippet and Johnstown Johnny, especially in football, basketball, and track, where he broke and held many school records. Upon high school graduation, Terry proudly and honorably served in the U.S Army and later the Ohio National Guard before retiring with over 34 years of service.

Terry is a former resident of Pataskala, OH where he and his family were active in the community, church and school athletics. For those Pataskala residents and Watkins Memorial fans, his voice could be heard every Friday night leading the cheer after each touchdown, “Alright, Alright, Alright --- and the crowd responding Decent, Decent, Decent.”

Terry and Phyllis relocated to Augusta, GA in 2008 to be closer to their grandchildren. This is where Crossroads Fellowship became a special place for them. This church became home, and members became friends, and these friends became family.

To know Terry you appreciated his integrity, attention to detail in everything he did, strong work ethic, his willingness to help his family, friends, neighbors, and strangers whether they asked or not, his “Mr. Fix it” persona, an avid softball player, riding on the lawn mower at church, playing a friendly game of hand and foot with friends, and his love for the Lord and listening to southern gospel music. However, most know Terry as a shy and quiet man (only in his head), the man with the big hands and strong handshake, smile across his face, and bear hug greetings.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on July 8 at 11 am at Crossroads Fellowship, 3875 Wrightsboro Rd, Augusta, GA 30909.

All floral deliveries to church please.