Rev. James Randal Baker, 96, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on January 20, 2019. .

Randal was born in Rock Hill, SC to the late Thomas Fredrick and Henrietta Nettles Baker. Randal served his Lord faithfully for over 60 years as an ordained minister. He pastored St, Matthews Baptist Church, Grover, SC, Parisview Baptist Church, Greenville, SC, Friendship Baptist Church, North Charleston, SC, Steedman Baptist Church, Leesville, SC and Ward Baptist Church, Ward, SC. He served as interim pastor at several churches in the Batesburg-Leesville area.

He was predeceased by his “Miss America” and loving wife Betty King Baker of 60 plus years. And his two brothers, Jack and Thomas Baker.

He was a World War II Veteran and served his country in the US Navy attached to the Marine Corp as a combat medic.

He graduated from North Greenville Junior College and Furman University with honors.
He is survived by a daughter Linda Wasine Baker Gilmore and husband David, North Augusta, SC; son Joel M. Baker Lt. Col. USAF (Retired) and wife Patricia, Fayetteville, NC; Three grandchildren: Elizabeth (Beth) Fisk Rabb and husband Stuart, Evans, GA; Ryan Baker and wife Jennifer, Knoxville, TN.; Dr. Jennifer Baker-Burroughs and husband Ryan, Lebanon, PA.; Six great-grandchildren: Andrew, Grayson and Avery Rabb, Noah and Delaney Baker and Ben Coulter. His sister, Audrey Baker Atkins, Rock Hill, SC and brother-in-law Rev. Clyde Wright, Greenville, SC.

Family will receive friends, Thursday, January 24, 2019 from 5-7 pm at Milton Shealy Funeral Home, Batesburg-Leesville, SC

Celebration of his life will be Friday, January 25, 2019 at 2:00 pm at St. Matthews Baptist Church, St. George, SC. The family will receive friends following the service at the church. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial in Rock Hill, SC Saturday January 26, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. Friends may call on the family at 1107 Lake Greenwood Dr., North Augusta, SC.

The family would like to give a special thank you to VA Home Health Care and Homestead Hospice. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to the Gideons International or Homestead Hospice.

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