Mr. George Baker

George Edward Baker aka “Bally” was born on October 2, 1947 in Detroit, Michigan to parents George and Vertie Baker. George was the 1st born through their union. While growing up in Detroit, George attended Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Northwestern High School in 1967. George served in the Untied States Air Force; however, he was medically discharged while in boot camp.

George was baptized in Detroit, MI at Oakland Baptist Church by Rev. William Wilson. God has always had his hands on George throughout his entire life. George loved reading the Bible to strengthen himself, family, and others. George would ask the question “When you die, would you like to die full or empty?” His answer was always “Empty- this way you will know that you have shared life and God’s words with everyone God has placed in front of you”.

George worked for his father’s family owned demolition company Baker & Sons Trucking, where he becamed a skilled torch man. In June 1982, George left Detroit and relocated to Santa Monica, CA. to live with his brother Jerome and his family. Later that year he moved with his half brother Charles Bland to East Los Angeles, California.

In June of 1983 George married the love of his life, Janie Fostoria Smith (Baker). They lived in Long Beach, California and later after their youngest child, Edward, left for college, they moved to Victorville, California. Together they raised a total of seven children, and were married for 36 years.

George worked at an auto dealership and helped his step-son land a job there after high school. George was a terrific salesman and sold office equipment and supplies in downtown Long Beach for many years. Eventually, George landed a job with Staples in Bellflower, where he was Regional Supervisor and produced the highest sales for the company at that time. He always looked out for family, by helping Tim, Geno, and Edward gain employment at Staples. There was something about family that George understood, and that is a man can’t ride your back unless it is bent, so stand tall. George was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend who loved his family. Even through the various ups and downs in life, he would share wisdom and say “I am so proud of you”.

George moved on to glory to rest in the arms of his Lord and Savior on Friday March 26, 2021 at St. Mary’s Hospital. George taught us that your past is never your future when God is holding on to you. Lean on Him and He will guide your way.

George was preceded in death by his father and mother George & Vertie Baker, his wife Janie F. Baker, as well as his brothers Perry L. Baker, Charles Bland Sr., and John Wesley Baker. George leaves to cherish his memory his children Shawn D. Smith Sr (LaNise), Kieth D. Smith (Tabitha), Carla S. Hightower (Brian), Timothy D. Smith (Valarie), Warner G. Smith (Renee), Edward L. Orr (Maygan), Latrice McCoy-Cade, his brother Jerome Baker (Jocelyn), his sister Elnora (Sis) Baker, his sister-in-law Oneita Jean Bland and a host of granchildren, great grandchildern , nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and friends.