Ray Moorman Baker

Ray Moorman Baker, 84 of Mt. Jackson, VA peacefully passed away on Monday, August 31, 2015 surrounded by his loving family at Inova Fairfax Hospital in Falls Church, VA. Mr. Baker was born on October 28, 1930, son of late David William Baker and Lizzie Ellen Lindamood Baker of Conicville, Va. He was a loving husband of 58 years to Doris Dot Dodson Baker, married on September 8, 1956. Ray was a wonderful father to Steven Baker (Linda Baker) and Joanie Hovatter (Sonny Hovatter). Pawpaw Ray was the proud grandfather to Alesia Hovatter, Melanie Hoffman, Kallie Hovatter, and Phillip Hovatter. In addition, Mr. Baker was the youngest of four children; having an older brother (Preston Baker, deceased), a sister, Mildred Bowman of Timberville, and a brother Guy Baker of Mt. Jackson, VA. Mr. Baker had many extended family members. Ray Baker's schooling included Conicville and Hamburg Schools. He was a graduate of Triplett High School, Class of 1947. After graduating from high school, he began driving a tractor-trailer for Mason Dixon, traveling many miles on roads before Interstate 81 was constructed. In 1959, Mr. Baker began working as a mechanic at Mason Dixon. Ray was a Member of the Mason Dixon Teamster Union for 13 years. On April 1, 1966, Ray Baker began working for the Virginia Highway Department as a Timekeeper where he retired on September 30, 1991, after serving 30 years. Upon retiring, Ray worked with his son at Baker Farms, Inc. until his passing. A hobby of Ray and Dot's was going to the Farmer's Markets and selling Baker Pork Products every Saturday from 7:00 am to 12:00 noon at the City of Manassas Farmer's Market for over 15 years. There is a memorial link to Mr. Baker at the City of Manassas-Farmers' Market Facebook page. Ray attended United Church of Christ, Conicville, since he was 7 years old. He served as elder, deacon, Sunday School Superintendent, treasurer, as well as being a member for over 75 years. He and Dot helped form the Conicville 4-H Club in 1965. From 1966-2005, Ray and Dot supported their son's interest of raising and exhibiting hogs at many local, state, and national competitions from Pennsylvania to North Carolina. Mr. Baker was a ring-man at the State Fair of Virginia's hog show until 2005. One of Pawpaw Ray's dearest passions was watching his four grandchildren compete and succeed in athletic events including track meets, tennis matches, volleyball games, football games, and his favorite, basketball games. Ray and Dot went to 70 straight high school basketball games in addition to traveling from Pennsylvania to Florida, watching their grandchildren participate in sports contests. Mr. Baker loved watching a close basketball game, no matter how far the travel. There were many nights when Ray was a very spirited spectator at those games. He truly enjoyed watching his grandchildren. Family night will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2015 from 6-8 pm at Dellinger Funeral Home in Mt. Jackson, VA. A Celebration of Life Service will be conducted on Friday, September 4, 2015 at 11 am at the United Church of Christ in Conicville by the Pastor Katie Gosswein, Pastor Aaron Tinsman, and Robert C. Perry (LCDR, USCG (RET). A Masonic Rite Service will be conducted by Mt. Jackson Lodge #103 A.F & A.M at the burial. There will be a fellowship meal immediately following the services. Memorial contributions can be donated to Conicville Volunteer Fire Department at P.O. 548 Mount Jackson, Virginia 22842.

Ray Moorman Baker

September 2, 2015