Charlie Rudolph Baker

"One Day at a Time" by singer Cristy Lane, was the favorite song of Lt. Charlie Rudolph Baker, USN, Retired. He chose to live each day of his 92 years fully and purposefully. In the early morning hours of May 16, 2019, he laid down the labors of this life to step into eternity with his loving Lord, Jesus. He was born in Cotton, GA on February 12, 1927. Charlie was preceded in death by both of his parents: Charlie Luther Baker and Martha Jane (Eure) Baker, as well as his sisters: Eula Mae McCorvey, Mary Melton, Lillie Belle Spinks, and Colette McBee; and his three brothers: Jack W. Baker, Tom Baker, and Ottiest R. Baker. He was also preceded in death by his son, Charles Rudolph (Rudy) Baker. Charlie entered the US Navy in 1944 and served for twenty-three years before retiring in 1967 as a lieutenant. During his service, he worked on several ships including the USS Direct, which was in the invasion of the South of France at the end of WW II. He served on the USS Rowe during the Korean War. While on the USS DeSoto he assisted with the evacuation of all dependents during the Cuban Missle Crisis. In 1961, when he served on the USS Rockbridge, he was selected to attend officer's candidate school. Upon his retirement from the Navy, Charlie began a new career - restaurant management. From the age of forty, until he reached the age of seventy, Charlie managed several national restaurant chains. Once again, he retired - but not for long. At the age of seventy-two, he was hired as a security guard at the Orlando Municipal Courthouse in Orlando, FL. He served there until he retired at the age of eighty-one. Charlie was a member of the First Baptist Church of Longwood, FL where he shared the responsibility of teaching an adult men's Bible study with others who were in the class. He was a man who demonstrated the love of Christ through a loving and giving spirit. Those who knew him loved him. His salty wit and charm often left us with a smile. His love for his family was unmatched. Truly, there was not another man like him and there never will be. We will miss him deeply. Charlie is survived by his wife of over sixty years, Annie B Baker. He is also survived by his daughters Gloria Baker and Cheryl Baker, and his son, Charles (Lee) Baker (Lisa), as well as his stepdaughter, Pamela Huggins, and stepson, Richard Stangler (Sharon) and one foster daughter, Kathleen Durland. Charlie was blessed with ten grandchildren: Craig Hardin (Sonja) Tiffany Ivey (Sam), Tonya Todd (Joey), Joshua Baker (Lyndsey), Kate Baker, Debra (Maya) Baker, Meggan Huggins, Jonathan Huggins, Ryan Stangler, LeAnn Smith (Donovan). Plus, he was doubly blessed with twelve great-grandchildren: Haleigh Huggins, Cameron Huggins, Bruce Hardin, Stone Smith, Alexis Smith, Alivia Stangler, Taylor Stangler, Blake Stangler, Maddie Ivey, Emma Ivey, Hailey Todd, and Carter Todd. Many nieces and nephews considered him their father figure. His long-time friends and neighbors who referred to him as "Mr. B" were like family to him. The Celebration of Life service for Lt. Charlie R. Baker, USN, Retired will be on Monday, June 17, 2019, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel at Highland Memory Gardens, Hwy 436, Altamonte Springs, FL. The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers donations be made to Hospice of the Comforter at 480 W. Central Parkway, Altamonte Springs, FL. 32714.

Charlie Rudolph Baker

February 12, 1927 - May 16, 2019