NATHANIEL BAKER SR.
Nathaniel Baker Sr., "Bubba," as he was affectionately known, made his transition from labor to rest at 3:30 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 4, 2019, at his home.
He was born on March 15, 1947, in Sumter County, to Sam Baker Jr. and the late Henrietta Small Baker. Bubba enlisted in the United States Army in 1965. He served in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1970 as a supply clerk. He separated from active duty with an honorable discharge in 1970. He transitioned into the Army Reserves at Fort Belvoir, Alexandria, Virginia. He retired as a sergeant first class / E7 in 1995. His combined total military service was 20 years. He was employed by the Department of Interior / Inspector General's Office. He retired after 30 years of federal employment. Bubba grew up in Quinn Chapel AME Church, where he was a faithful member, until he joined the United States Army.
His education included Ebenezer High School, Dalzell; Durham Business School, Durham, North Carolina, with an Associate of Arts Degree in Business; North Carolina Central University, Durham, with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting; and Central Michigan University with a Master's of Art Degree. He attended Howard University School of Divinity to become a Sunday school teacher and he attended Phillips School of Theology. He pastored two churches, Saint James Trinity CME, Lawrenceville, Virginia, and Mt. Pisgah CME in Evington, Virginia. He also received an honorary doctorate degree from National Beauty Culturist League (NBCL) for his dedicated service and hard work.
Nathaniel's passion was videograpy. He loved and perfected this skill for 26 years.
Nathaniel is survived by his wife of 49 years, Beverly Pringle Baker; four children, Nathaniel Baker Jr., Michael Lewis Baker (Kyra), Melvin Ray Baker (Tabitha) and Capt. Jennifer Lynette Baker; one grandson, Michael Lewis Baker Jr.; his father, Sam Baker Jr.; two sisters, Beulah Baker Green and Loretta Baker Johnson; three brothers, Moses Baker (Clara), Albertus Baker (Deloris) and John Ray Baker (Edna Mae); a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews.
The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 10 Emily Drive, Sumter.
Homegoing Celebration will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Quinn Chapel AME Church, 2400 Queen Chapel Road, Sumter, with the Rev. Jerome McCray, pastor, and Minister Cynthia Nedd, eulogist.
The remains will be placed in the church at noon.
The funeral procession will leave at 12:20 p.m. from the home.
Burial will be at Whites Cemetery, 1575 Airport Road, Sumter.
These services are entrusted to the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter.
Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr.com. Visit us on the web at www.williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.