William Baker, Jr., age 88, of Lakeland, FL died Sunday, May 5, 2024, at Deerbrook Skilled Nursing Home in Humble, TX.

He is survived by his wife; Dorothy Baker, Humble, TX, his children: Darrell Baker of Lakeland, FL, Elisa Baker of Tampa, FL, Nicole (Maurice) Grant of Humble, TX, Erik Rashad of Lakeland, FL, Beverly Brown of Jacksonville, FL, Lewis Thurston of Tallahassee, FL and Rico Griffin of Lakeland, FL. He will forever be cherished by his siblings: Robert (Genie) Baker of Orlando, FL, George Baker of Lakeland, FL, Gladys Williams of Lakeland, FL. His love and memories will forever be cherished by his ten grandchildren along with a host of nieces and nephews.

Arrangements are being managed by Gause Funeral Home at 625 S. Holland Parkway, Bartow, FL. Visitation will be held at Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, 306 SW 2nd Avenue, Mulberry, FL 33860, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, May 20, 2024. The funeral service is scheduled at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL, at 1:30 PM on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Interment will also take place at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL.