Michael Wade Baker Sr., born October 21, 1954, peacefully passed away early morning Sunday August 31st, 2025.  He was surrounded by love from his children and grandchildren as he stood and walked to meet his parent, siblings, family, friends and dogs in Heaven.

Mike was born in Atlanta at Crawford W Long Hospital as the youngest of 7 children to James Clifford and Ida Marie Baker.  He grew up in Whittier Mill Village (aka "The Village") and graduated from O'Keefe High School, class of '71.  Mike was a hard worker and had a nearly 30 year career with Sonoco and made many lifelong friendships while there.  He was incredibly talented at how things work and how to fix them.  He was always crafting solutions to fix problems at work and at the house.

Mike loved his community.  He was often seen at the local stores or the ballpark, and he would stop and interact with folks.  Most who knew him can remember a "Mike story" of their own.  In his retirement he enjoyed spending time with his kids & grandkids, taking road trips to his favorite beach Panama City Beach, going to the casino, and catching a Braves or Falcons win!

Mike is survived by his daughter Erica Yvonne Rowland, her daughter Ciara Jewel and son Cody James.  His son Michael "Wade" Baker Jr., wife Danielle, their son Michael Wade Baker III "Trey" and daughter Teagan Vaylareece. His sister Dinah (and Ray) Whitmore and brother Slater Baker. Former spouse and mother to his children Sammy Gayle (and Eddy) Hammonds. And a community of cousins, nieces, nephews, and close family friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Mike's life will be held at 2pm on Thursday, September 4th, 2025 at Bellamy Funeral Home.  Address 3551 Jimmy Lee Smith Parkway, Hiram.  Visitation will take place from 12:00 - 2:00pm.  Burial immediately following at Sunrise Gardens (11261 Veterans Memorial Hwy, Douglasville).

Mike's laughter and his fatherly guidance will be greatly missed.  He will continue to live on in our hearts through the stories and memories we all have and the love we carry for our family that we know came from him!