Lebert (Buddy) Ruddle Baker, Jr.

Lebert Ruddle “Buddy” Baker, Jr., longtime resident of the La Grange Community, retired employee of the Seabrooks Company in Memphis and United States Veteran died Wednesday morning, October 17, 2012 at the Methodist Hospital in Memphis where he had been a patient for one day. He was 68 years of age and died following a brief illness.

Services of Remembrance for Mr. Baker were conducted at 11 A.M. Friday, October 19th at the La Grange United Methodist Church with Bro. Loyd Shelton, a family friend of Rossville officiating. Special music was provided by Charlene Hurdle. Interment with Military Recognition followed in the La Grange Cemetery. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Homes and Cremation Center — Main Chapel of Somerville.

Mr. Baker was born January 9, 1944 in Memphis. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lebert R. Baker, Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Whitaker Baker. He received his early education in the Memphis Public School System and was a graduate of the Fayette County High School, class of 1962. He continued his education at the Lambuth College in Jackson before serving in the United States Air Force in Thailand for four years.

As a young person, Mr. Baker moved from Memphis to La Grange, the community that his mother was a native of. He was employed for much of his life by the Seabrooks Paint Company in Memphis and after his retirement enjoyed working at the Kroger Company part-time. He was a longtime member of the La Grange United Methodist Church. He was an active member of his community and served as Alderman in past years.

Mr. Baker received much enjoyment from living in and sharing the history of his historical family home, “Chantilly”, that had been in the Pankey/Baker/Whitaker families for several generations. His home was on the La Grange Tour of  Historical Homes for a number of years and the grounds of his home were a special treat for lovers of azaleas that covered the property. His other interests included animals, vintage automobiles and caring for his yard.

Mr. Baker is survived by his sister, Shirley Baker Green of La Grange; two nephews, Michael K. Green of Adamsville, Chad Green of Oakland; his great niece, Michelle Green of Adamsville; and his special pet, “Sugar”.

Those honored to serve as casketbearers were John Kelly, Edward Parham, Jim Ballard, Paul Davenport, Trey Cowan & Wallace Witmer.

The family requests that memorials be directed to the La Grange United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 75, La Grange, TN 38046 or the La Grange Cemetery Association, c/o Eileen Cowan, 85 Pine Street, La Grange, TN 38039.