Bill Text: MS SR48 | 2022 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Mourn the passing of longtime Oxford Alderman Dr. William Clair "Bill" Baker and recognizing his civic contributions.
Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Democrat 2-1)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2022-03-24 - Adopted [SR48 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2022-SR48-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2022 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Boyd
Senate Resolution 48
(As Adopted by Senate)
A RESOLUTION MOURNING THE PASSING OF LONGTIME OXFORD ALDERMAN DR. WILLIAM CLAIR "BILL" BAKER AND RECOGNIZING HIS MANY CIVIC AND CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS.
WHEREAS, we join the citizens of Oxford, Mississippi, in mourning the passing of longtime Alderman Dr. William Clair "Bill" Baker on November 30, 2021, at the age of 91; and
WHEREAS, Dr. William Clair "Bill" Baker, passed away at his home in Oxford, Mississippi, on November 30, 2021, at the age of 91. Born in Louisville, Mississippi, to the late Helen Hathorn Baker and William Held Baker, Bill grew up in Macon, Mississippi, and graduated from Macon High School. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Chemistry from Millsaps College and was a member of the Kappa Alpha Order Fraternity. He was also included in their Court of Honor; and
WHEREAS, he graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree. from Loyola School of Dentistry, where he was a member of Psi Omega Dental Fraternity and a member of the Pierre Fauchard Academy. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, stationed in Japan, where he served as Captain in the Dental Corps. He came to Oxford in 1958, began his dental practice and continued until his retirement in 1996. He was recognized as a Life Member of the American Dental Association and the Mississippi Dental Association; and
WHEREAS, Bill was Past-President of the Oxford Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Oxford Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce. He received the Distinguished Service Award by the Oxford Junior Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Leadership Lafayette Legacy Award. He also served as President of the Rotary Club of Oxford and was President of the Mississippi Dental Society. Bill served on the Board of Directors for the United Way and was also presented a Certificate of Appreciation for his work at The Pantry. Bill served on the Oxford Lafayette Community Health Foundation Board. He was the Crusade Chairman and then served as Vice President and President of the American Cancer Society. Bill was a Charter Member of the Oxford Bank and Trust (later Merchants and Farmers Bank); and
WHEREAS, Bill served as Alderman of Ward 5 and Alderman at Large for 14 years for the City of Oxford. He was especially proud to serve, as Oxford enacted the city's first comprehensive plan in over 30 years, which established a blueprint that resulted in such things as Gertrude Ford Boulevard, FNC Park, and the Conference Center. As Richard Howorth, former Oxford Mayor reflected, "Bill Baker was a great Oxford booster who was effective in converting his enthusiasm into action." After his tenure as Alderman, Bill worked tirelessly for the betterment of Oxford. He fully supported the expansion of the Tennis Center and John Leslie Courts and worked diligently to make it a reality for his community. In 1995, his wife, Julia, joined Delta Delta Delta Sorority as House Mother, and Bill became "House Dad" for 10 years, where he was affectionately known as Dr. Bill; and
WHEREAS, Bill and Julia were members of the Ole Miss Athletic Foundation and spent countless hours cheering on the Rebels in football, baseball, and basketball. Bill was a member of the "Beacon Coffee Club" for years, which for many members began at Smitty's; and
WHEREAS, he was a faithful and longtime member of Oxford University United Methodist Church. Bill served in many capacities as a Sunday School Teacher, Usher, Member of the Administrative Board, Church School Superintendent, Lay Leader, Board of Trustees and Futures Committee. Most notably, Bill was known as the West Sanctuary Entrance Doorkeeper, where he appointed himself and greeted several generations of parishioners. Through the years, Bill Baker has been known as "Doc," "Doc Baker," "Dr. Bill" and finally as "GranDoc" to his grandchildren, who adored him; and
WHEREAS, he is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Julia Boren Baker; children, Margaret Helen Baker, William Clair Baker, Jr (Jennie) and Allen Boren Baker (Brandy); five grandchildren, Nicole Baker Davis (Reed), William Baker III, Curt Baker, Maddie Vollbracht and Slade Vollbracht; brother Dr. Martin Baker (Suzanna); and a host of nieces and nephews; and
WHEREAS, we pay tribute and cherish fondly the memory of this most public-spirited citizen whose civic energy was an example to all in Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the passing of longtime Oxford Alderman Dr. William Clair "Bill" Baker and recognition of his many civic and charitable contributions and express our deepest sympathy to his surviving family.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the surviving family of Bill Baker, forwarded to the Board of Aldermen of Oxford, Mississippi, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
