He was born in Lancaster, SC in 1947 to Mr. and Mrs. Ferris Baker. Also raised in Lancaster, Wayne graduated from Lancaster High School and enlisted in the Armed Forces. He was a veteran of the Vietnam War who served four years aboard the U.S. Navy vessel, USS Yorktown. Wayne was proud to have done his duty to help defend the freedom of this country. He was humbled and grateful for his service to his country.
While stationed in California, on an evening he ventured out with friends he met the love of his life, Jerri Pickens, and the two were married in November 1967. Excited to begin their lives together the two of them were married in a little Las Vegas wedding chapel. Wayne was a loving husband; he was a strong provider and loved his home. He was a gentle caretaker and always willing to pitch in desiring to help in bringing his bride’s visions to life. Their 57 years is evidence of this love and such a testament of who he was.
Shortly after completing his military service, they moved to Rock Hill, SC to establish roots and begin his career and start a family. Wayne, along with several of his dear friends, Ronnie and Doug Adams brought a dream to life when they opened the doors of a Rock Hill auto repair in 1973 named The Bug Shop which later became known as A & B Imports. He co-operated A & B Imports until he retired in 2001 when they sold the business.
Wayne leaves behind a legacy of love and support for his children, Michael (and Darlene) Baker and Shane (and Sherri) Baker. Fatherhood was one of his most fun roles. He went to great lengths to pour into his children. From working under hoods and building cars, being best man, building homes, becoming a Paw Paw, telling jokes, breakfasts with his boys, daily phone calls, laughing constantly…he was genuine through and through.
One of his greatest joys was being Paw Paw to his three grandchildren, Brandon Baker (and Meagan), McKenna Baker, and Bryson Baker. Wayne always made time to be present for his grandchildren. He attended many basketball games, theater shows, movie marathons, weekends sleepovers, breakfast cooking, showing up with goodies, offering warnings, filling in a need, causing laughter, he was relentlessly showing up for all the things. He was genuinely interested in the lives of his grandchildren. He was ever-present and he loved well.
Wayne will always be remembered for his thoughtfulness of others. His heart was that of a servant. When Wayne knew of, or saw a need, he was going to find a way to help one way or another. That was who he was. Knowing Wayne, being loved by him was such a gift.
Wayne is preceded in death by Mr. Ferris Baker, his father and Mrs. Jessie Baker, his mother. He is survived by Mrs. Jerri Baker, his wife; Michael Baker and Shane Baker, his two sons; Mr. Doug Baker (and Diane) his brother; and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Ruby Pickens, along with grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Wounded Warriors woundedwarriorproject.org in memory of Wayne.
The family will be receiving family and friends at the family home on Saturday, March 1, 2025 from 1pm – 4pm for a time of fellowship in honor of Wayne’s life. It was his desire to celebrate his life in a way that was simple with those that knew him.
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