William Costello "Bill" Baker, Sr., 94, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 8, 2024, with family members at his bedside.

Bill was born and raised in Mobile, AL during the historical years of America's great depression and WWII. Upon graduating from Mobile Murphy High School and Springhill College receiving his accounting degree with honors, he served as an Officer in the US Air Force. Upon completion of his military service, he married the love of his life, June Quinlivan. Bill and June moved to Pensacola starting their family and his 36-year career with Smith's Sunbeam Bakery, initially as a bakery routesman and advancing quickly to Vice President. Upon retiring from Smith's Bakery, he was a consultant to Anheuser Busch Corp. working with his favorite bakers, George Curtis and Gary McArthur.

He was never one to be idle as he also owned, operated, and invested in several other businesses. He chuckled when his grandsons and business owners of Payne Pool Professionals named him executive consultant at age 90 as they thought he was too young to retire. He enjoyed many hobbies including golf, hunting, fishing, and scuba diving. He continued to quail hunt through his late 80's.

He was a lifelong member of The Cathedral of Sacred Heart and St. Paul Catholic Church believing in family and charity. He served as president, chairman or on the board of directors of some 50 charitable or civic organizations. His favorites are United Way of which he served as campaign chairman and president and United Cerebral Palsy. He was also a long-time member of Fiesta Pensacola and was a Fiesta Court Knight in 1975 and Deluna XVIII in 1977. Bill and June were blessed with four healthy children, eight grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.

Bill is preceded in death by his loving wife, June Quinlivan Baker; handsome grandson, Adam William Baker; parents, Joseph Henry Baker Sr. and Lucile Costello Baker; a brother, Joseph "Bobo" Henry Baker, Jr.; a sister, Frances "Sister" Costello Lauten; brother-in-law, Ray Carl "Buddy" Lauten; as well as a sister-in-law, Mary Meyers Baker.

He is survived by his daughters, Linda Baker Brown (Gary) and Dr. Blaine Baker Payne (Phil); sons, William C. Baker, Jr. (Prebble) and Quin Baker, Sr. (Christie); his grandchildren, Dr. Mike Meador (Ashley), Jack Meador (Rachael), Shane Payne (Tiana), Sanders Payne (Shirley), Scott Baker, Blakeley Baker (Brian), and Quin Baker, Jr.; his great grandchildren, Irie Anne, Miriam and O'Neill Meador (Mike & Ashley), Stella, Baker and James Meador (Jack & Rachael), Max Payne (Shane & Tiana), Will Payne (Sanders & Shirley), Piper Baker (Scott).

Visitation will be held from 1:00pm until a Funeral Service begins at 2:00pm Sunday, January 14, 2024, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Fr. Jack Campbell officiating. Private family interment will be held at Holy Cross Cemetery.

Our family is most appreciative for the love and care shown to our dad by family friend Trudye and by numerous caregivers, Sunshine, Charlotte, Steven, Nicole, Ashley, Trevin, Tina, John, Brian, Nia, Patricia, and Quintella.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the United Way, United Cerebral Palsy, or charity of your choice.