Willie Wallace Baker

On Sunday, January 15, 2012, Our Lord touched the hand of His son, WILLIE WALLACE and said, “Come home my child and rest. Your suffering is no more.” Wallace, born on March 24, 1944, was the first of four sons born to Willie and Fairmean Baker in Baltimore, Maryland. He began his Christian experience as a child and was baptized at Zion Baptist Church in East Baltimore. During his high school years, he served as a Junior Deacon and was later a scout leader. He received his education in the public schools of Baltimore City. He attended Baltimore City College High School, graduating in 1962.Upon graduation he entered into what was then Morgan State College. While there, he was very active in civic and social clubs and organizations, including the NAACP. In his junior year at Morgan, he was elected Class President. Also at Morgan, Wallace was initiated into the Beta Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. in October of 1963. After graduation he joined Delta Lambda Chapter and later was a charter member of Rho Tau Lambda Chapter on November 8, 2008. While at Morgan State, Wallace was in the advanced R.O.T.C. Program. He was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant serving his country as a Military Intelligence Officer with the United States Army while in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged after completion of his two years of Service. After returning home from the service, Wallace married his high school sweetheart, Artrice Diane Holeman on January 25, 1969. From this union one child was born, W. Wallace Baker. Wallace began his employment at the Department of Natural Resources and retired from the Department of Environment as the EEO Director after twenty-eight years of service. A life long learner and advocate for self development, Wallace finally completed his educational pursuits by obtaining his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph. D) in human Resource Management. If you knew Wallace, you knew he was a people person and a jokester. He enjoyed lively conversation and was a great debater. He never met a conversation he didn't like. He always had something to say, an opinion to share, and often talked over others just to make his point. He was a kind and responsible man of substance. Wallace was an avid reader, buying and reading four to five newspapers every Sunday. Learning and reading were some of his greatest passions in life. He was an excellent cook and enjoyed entertaining. Wallace was a consummate “GQ” man because of his style, speech and spirit. Though his sudden departure has saddened us all, he will be fondly remembered and greatly missed. Wallace leaves to mourn: his wife of forty-three years, Diane; his son, Wallace; his brother, Walter; his Alpha Brothers; and host of other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Willie and Fairmean Baker and two brothers, Wess and William Baker.

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Willie Wallace Baker

March 24, 1944 - January 15, 2012