William (Bill) Harold Baer of Marietta, Georgia, founder of Baldino’s Subs, passed away unexpectedly on August 7, 2026, at the age of 78. He is survived by his brother Robert “Red” Baer; his sister Martha “Honey” Baer; his three loving children Christopher, Chelsea, and Brody; and his four granddaughters Gemma, Eleanor, Rosemary, and Violet.
Bill was born in Long Branch, New Jersey to Irving Baer and Martha Ruddy Baer in 1947. He attended Waynesburg College in Waynesburg, PA where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business. He then joined the Marine Corps, where he served as a 1st Lieutenant until 1975. From there, he began his life’s work in Fayetteville, NC, where he opened the very first Baldino’s Subs shop in 1975 to serve the servicemen who needed a place to get a wholesome, fast, and tasty lunch. After working long hours to perfect his sandwich-making business, Bill would ultimately go on to open many more Baldino’s Subs shops, which have since grown to be well-loved throughout Georgia.
Those sub shops would bring him to Hinesville, GA where he would meet his future wife, the mother of his children, and the love of his life: Peggy Sue Baer. They remained happily married for 4 decades as they raised their three children. Bill remained steadfast by her side during her difficult battle with dementia until her death in 2022.
Bill will be fondly remembered as a committed husband; a joyful grandfather; a loving and supportive father; a hard-working and successful entrepreneur; and an all-around magnanimous, loyal, and impactful person. He will be deeply missed by many, for years to come.
A Visitation will be held at H M Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd NE, Sandy Springs, Georgia, on August 29, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at H M Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd NE, Sandy Springs, Georgia, on August 29, 2026, at 2:00 pm, and a Reception to follow at the same location. The service will be viewable via livestream.
