William Herbert Baker, Sr. 1930-2017William Herbert Baker, Sr. 1930-2017William Herbert Baker Sr., 87, passed away on July 31, 2017 at his home surrounded by family in Gulf Breeze, Florida. Bill was born on July 4, 1930 in Macon County Alabama to Walter Baker and Beatrice Stringfellow Baker.Bill grew up in Little Texas, Alabama and graduated from high school in Tuskegee, Alabama. After high school he joined the U.S. Air Force serving during the Korean War. Bill married the love of his life, Joyce Delana Dorough in 1953. They were happily married for 58 years until her passing in 2011. Bill attended Auburn University where he received his degree in Entomology in 1957. He worked and was an innovator in the Pest Control Industry for over 50 years. In that time he served as the Executive Vice President of Cook's Pest Control from 1965-1978, and as President of Bio Serve Corporation and Rose Pest Control in Troy Michigan for many years.After his formal retirement, Bill continued to consult for Pest Control companies across the country. He achieved many significant professional accomplishments in his career to include President of the Alabama Pest Control Association from 1963-64 and 1973-74; He was elected President of Pi Chi Omega, The National Professional Pest Management Fraternity in 1974 and received their Professional Deeds Award in 1977.Bill is survived by his children William Herbert (Herb) Baker Jr. of Phenix City, Alabama and his daughter Delana (Paul) Womack of Gulf Breeze, Florida ; his sister Margie Ray of Montgomery, Alabama and his brother Preston (Janice) Baker of Dadevillle, Alabama; his grandson Chad (Erin) Edmondson of Gulf Breeze, Florida and his granddaughter Annie Baker of Seattle, Washington; 3 great-grandchildren Olivia, Allison and Charlie Edmondson; and many nieces and nephews and other relatives who loved him dearly.Bill was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Joyce and his brother Charles Baker.Bill was a man of strong faith and a patriot who loved his God and his country. His skills were many ranging from great athlete, expert cook, tailor, baby whisperer, professional gardener and "The Master of Christmas Lights", even decorating Wilders Nursing Home while "His" Joyce lived there."Bill-Billy-Dad-Gaga" loved and was greatly loved by his family and many friends. A truly amazing man who will be sorely missed!A funeral service will be held at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home, 1801 Frederick Rd, Opelika, Alabama on Thursday, August 3, 2017. Visitation will be held at 10:00 a.m. with a service at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery.Pallbearers will be his grandson Chad and members of his Men's Breakfast Group at New Covenant Church. Officiants will be Pastor Jimmy Allen of Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Dadeville, Alabama and Pastor Ronald Jennings of New Covenant Church, Dadeville, Alabama.Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is directing. www.FrederickDean.comFunerals & Cremations Since 1900Express your condolences in our guestbook at pnj.com/obits