Kenneth Ray Baker Jr.

Kenny graduated from the University of Tennessee with his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Physiology in 1995. He was an accomplished semi professional cyclist all of his adult life, winning numerous state titles as well as qualifying for the 1996 Olympic trials. His latest major cycling venture was with his team in 2021 for Race Across America, raising over $300,000 for pediatric cancers. His team rode from Oceanside, California to Annapolis, Maryland in six days. Kenny was a holistic health practitioner owning his own business for over 25 years. He never stopped studying the human body and its connection to the mind. He was a healer and an amazing massage therapist. He and his wife, Ashley, opened the very first pilates studio in Knoxville, Mind Body Kinetics, in 2000. Along with being a fully trained pilates instructor, he also became a Gyrotonic instructor, CHEK practitioner, ELDOA practitioner, among other modalities to help him help others in the quest to refine and tune into the human body. He never stopped studying, despite gaining no more recognition for the knowledge that he pursued at home. He loved to learn.

Kenny and Ashley met at the University of Tennessee in October of 1990 at a homecoming party with his fraternity and her sorority. They knew that they had each met their forever person, and got engaged just 10 months later. They finally married in 1997 and went on many adventures and travels before and after children.

Kenny’s greatest accomplishment was creating a family with his soul mate of 34 years, Ashley. They raised their two children, Ella (22) and James (20), with as much fun and joy as any parents could. Kenny was known to be a huge lover of Christmas and decorating the house, inside and out, like an insane elf. He also made sure to take the family on many trips to Disney World, the beach, the mountains, and a wonderful four country European vacation last year.

Kenny is preceded in death by his mother, Carol Baker. He is survived by his father, Ken Baker, his wife, Ashley Guthrie Baker, his daughter, Ella and son, James. He leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness, joy, health, and wellness, as well as many clients and dear friends.

A celebration of life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, TN, at 1:00 pm, with a reception to follow. Rev. Richard Coble officiating.