Jerry Baker,

Sr.

Jerry Luther Baker, Sr., 75, of Thomasville, passed away on Sunday, October 3, 2021 at Archbold Memorial Hospital. A Memorial Service will be held at Sunset Memorial Gardens on Monday, October 11, 2021 at 11:00 am with Ellis Jackson officiating.  Mr. Baker was born on May 8, 1946 in Polk County - Bartow, FL to the late, William "Jack" Baker and Juanita Davis Baker. He moved to South Georgia at age 6 attending school in Cotton, GA and Pelham, GA, graduating from Pelham High School in 1964. After high school he entered the USAF serving in Okinawa & Vietnam 1967-1968, where he was awarded several Air Medals & the Distinguished Flying Cross. Mr. Baker survived the Tet offensive of 1968 based in Saigon. After returning home from Vietnam he settled in Thomasville. He joined the TPD in 1971. In 1975 he was shot in the line of duty while investigating a burglary at an E. Jackson St. business. Mr. Baker attended Thomas College 1975-1977 earning an AA degree. In 1978 he joined the sales staff of Roy Campbell Chevrolet for three years and then returned to TPD in 1981. Mr. Baker retired from TPD with the rank of Lieutenant having served the City of Thomasville for 31 years. Mr. Baker is survived by; his children Buffie Kornegay (Michael) of Mt. Olive, NC and Jerry Baker, Jr. (Shannon) of Goldsboro, NC, sisters, Sharon Bailey of Spartanburg, SC, Patricia Spence of Richmond, VA, and Tammy Holton of Tifton, GA, and grandchildren, Emily Baker, Caleb Rogers, Daylan Kornegay, and Matthew Kornegay. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Nodine. Guests may sign the online register at www.whiddonshiverfuneralhome.com