Newell Miller Baker

Newell was born September 30th, 1950, in Mount Airy, NC, to Newell and Nancy Baker. The oldest of three siblings, the Baker family frequently moved around the state before returning to the Piedmont Triad where Newell graduated from East Surry High School. He attended N.C. State University and completed a bachelor’s degree (with honors) in Civil Engineering, in 1972.

It was a good year for engineers, and he had an astonishing six job offers out of college. He was drawn to a post with the Southern Railway (now Norfolk Southern) and moved to Atlanta, GA where he would embark on a forty year career with the railroad. It was also in 1972 where he would meet his future bride, Carol Fincannon, a friend of the family from neighboring Elkin, NC. They would fall in love, and get married the following year.

A savvy railroader with a great work ethic, Newell quickly made his way through various departments before landing in Economic & Industrial Development, a department (and industry) that, over 30 years, took him from Atlanta to Birmingham and back, where he left an invaluable mark on the company and those who worked with him.

Finishing his career as AVP of Industrial Development and overseeing the department across 22 states, he was instrumental in bringing Mercedes Benz to Alabama, served as the President of the EDAA (Economic Development Association of Alabama), and was critical in locating one of the largest economic projects in the history of the United States — ThyssenKrupp Steel’s multi-billion dollar processing plant.

Newell's unique mix of sharp intelligence, clear talent, and a warm-and-welcoming demeanor didn’t just serve him well in his profession but within his family, community and his wide-ranging love for life.

A true renaissance man, he was well-traveled. He hiked the Mayan temples in Tikal, swam off the coast of Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, and enthusiastically drove a stick shift through England. He was an avid golfer and single-digit handicap, voracious reader, and proud Anglophile and Episcopalian. He also coached Little League baseball, loved swimming and body surfing, was an active participant in his brother-in-law’s college football pool, and had a distinct passion for any-and-all types of cuisines… but especially barbecue. Western NC (and Lexington in particular) were his favorite.

Other than his intense love for his family, it was music that played a cherished and central role throughout his life.

In grade school, he and his siblings learned to play the baritone ukulele at the Y.M.C.A., he sang lead and played guitar and keyboards in a band (The Next Exit), joined various church choirs (singing alongside wife, Carol) and was a founding member of renaissance vocal ensemble, the Third Avenue Consort — which sang at the opening of Atlanta’s High Museum. He was also a founding member of Birmingham’s preeminent acapella doo-wop group, the DipTones, and was a long time member of the Atlanta Schola Cantorum, where he sang and served on the board.

After retirement, he was often seen in the pews supporting Carol and the choir of his beloved Cathedral of St. Philip, in Buckhead Atlanta, where he served as a Concert Usher, and member of The Friends of Cathedral Music.

However, his mark was truly made, not on accomplishments or interests, but rather on the every day impact of those who he interacted with.

Newell had a profoundly unique ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds, through his gregariousness, hearty laugh & good humor, and keen interest in others. And was known for his remarkable memory and his love for telling stories and affirming others. Everyone in his family could count on him to be there for them… not only his wife and three children and one grandson, but his siblings and nephews and cousins, and all others who had the pleasure of spending time with him.

Newell is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Carol Baker; his children Jonathan, Elizabeth and Patrick; his grandson, Oliver; his sister, Joy Baker; and numerous extended family members, for whom he cared deeply.

A memorial service will be held Friday, November 13th, 2026, at 2pm at the Cathedral of St. Philip, with a reception following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be very much appreciated to the Cathedral of St. Philip Choir & Schola Fund (https://cathedralatl.tpsdb.com/Give/memorial-gifts) and Episcopal Relief and Development (https://give.episcopalrelief.org/campaign/800078/donate).