George Bruce Haker

George Bruce Haker, 83, a native son of Howard County, Maryland, passed away in the early morning hours of May 5, 2026. He was the kind of man who made every room feel warmer — a gifted storyteller, a generous neighbor, and a devoted husband, father and grandfather who had a way of making people feel like they genuinely mattered.

George grew up on his family’s farm in Elkridge, the son of George Joseph and Virginia Dare Haker (née Davis). Those early years working the land instilled in him a work ethic and a rootedness that would define everything he built. In 1978, he channeled that spirit into Haker Auto Sales — the family dealership he founded and ran for 48 years. It was more than a business; it was a reflection of who he was. His customers were people he knew, remembered, and looked after, and many became part of his extended family, returning year after year not just for a vehicle, but because they trusted him.

Those who knew George called him the “Mayor of Elkridge,” and for a man who had lived there his entire life, the nickname fit perfectly. He was a devoted member of Grace Episcopal Church in Elkridge, where his faith was a steady presence throughout his life. He also served his country as a member of the Maryland Army National Guard. George gave decades of additional service through the Elkridge Rotary Club, where he served two terms as president, earned two prestigious Paul Harris Awards, and was named Rotarian of the Year in 2014. His commitment to community ran deeper than any title or membership. He was the one who plowed out your driveway before you knew it had snowed, who appeared at your door with food when you were struggling, who called just to check in. Away from the dealership, George loved to garden, tending the land much as he had growing up on the family farm. He had a rare gift for noticing when someone needed help and an even rarer willingness to show up and do something about it, without fanfare or expectation of thanks. And yet George was no somber saint: he loved to laugh, loved to entertain, and had a gift for stories that could hold a room. His warmth was contagious, his humor infectious, and the people who knew him felt lucky for it.

George is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Carole Haker (née Woodall); his children Jason and Ashleigh; his daughter-in-law Karen; and his grandsons Noble and Logan. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Joseph and Virginia Dare Haker, and his siblings, James Haker and JoAnne Belew.

Service Details

Date: Saturday, June 13, 2026

Receiving: 9:00 AM

Service: 10:00 AM

Location: Christ Episcopal Church

6800 Oakland Mills Rd., Columbia, MD

Lunch Reception: The Elkridge Furnace Inn

5745 Furnace Ave., Elkridge, MD (following service)

Officiated by: The Clergy of Grace Episcopal Church, Elkridge, MD

In Lieu of Flowers: Please donate to Grace Episcopal Church in Elkridge, MD or to the cause of your choice

In loving memory of a man who made the world a warmer, more welcoming place.