An only child, he was born in Rohwer, Arkansas on June 29, 1941, to Lewis and Juanita Baker, two loving parents who instilled in A.J. the strength of leadership, education, and compassion. He grew up in McGehee, Arkansas.
A.J. met the love of his life, his wife, Glenda Tucker Baker, when he was in college at the University of Arkansas at Monticello (Arkansas A&M College). He saw her walk across the cafeteria and before he ever spoke a word to her, he told his friends he was going to marry her. He was right. They celebrated their 63rd anniversary this June.
A father to two daughters, Vanessa and Stephanie, A.J. spent years attending beauty pageants, school events, and coaching them in softball. As a grandfather, he dubbed himself CEO (Chief Encouragement Officer) and made it a point to be at every event or game that he could.
A.J. graduated from college with a degree in Education and embarked on a coaching career at Monticello Jr. and Sr. High School, where he coached both basketball and baseball for several years. Following his coaching stint, he returned to school to obtain a master's from Arkansas State University and his doctorate degree in Education from the University of Arkansas. He worked for the state's Rehabilitation Services division, was a visiting professor at the University of Hawaii, and taught for many years at Webster University. The bulk of his career was spent as an administrator at Baptist Health, where he oversaw the development of an allied health school, special projects, and mentored and taught leadership skills to generations of healthcare professionals. In retirement, he continued leadership consulting.
A disciple of Christ from childhood, A.J.'s strength in God only grew stronger with every year of his life. A Southern Baptist, he and Glenda were longtime members of Geyer Springs Baptist Church, where he was a deacon, and Immanuel Baptist Church, where they were part of the Prayer Warriors Sunday school class. He sang in the choir, led prayers of devotion, and played the piano for many Sunday school parties and church gatherings during his lifetime. He shared his faith openly with family and friends.
"If we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another." (1 John 1:7)
Here are things that you may or may not know about A.J. He was a lifelong Cleveland Indians (Guardians) fan, which was the result of only being able to pick up WTAM (1100 AM) as a kid in the 1950s on his radio. He stuck with them through the next almost 70 years! A.J. and Glenda spent three years building a cabin by themselves (and with the help of family) on Glenda's family property in Coleman, Arkansas. Most surprisingly, A.J. played the piano and was the lead singer in the rock-and-roll band the Knights of Rhythm, playing at remote locations like Camp Doughboy across the Arkansas Delta.
A.J. was preceded in death by his parents. Survivors include his wife, Glenda, his two daughters Vanessa Baker Campbell (Keith) and Stephanie Baker Brock (Roby); five grandchildren - Dustin Jackson Campbell (Brittany), Brittany Leigh Campbell, Baker Dane Helton (Victoria), Tucker Kennedy Brock, and Conley Cade Brock; and three great-grandchildren - Stella Rose Campbell, Vivien Vanders Campbell, and Hardin Dane Helton.
The family would like to thank Curtis Felps (his buddy), Baptist Health and Hospice Home Care for treating him with the dignity and respect he deserved during his final days.
The family will have a visitation at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock in Room G101 on Thursday, July 17 from 4:00-6:00 p.m. A funeral service will be held Saturday, July 19 at Pleasant Springs Baptist Church in Coleman, Arkansas at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Pleasant Springs Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Dustin Campbell, Baker Helton, Tucker Brock, Keith Campbell, Roby Brock, Keith Helton, Paul Tucker, and Mike Akin. Honorary pallbearers include Brittany Leigh Campbell, Conley Cade Brock, Brittany Defede Campbell, Dr. Victoria Hughes Helton, Stella Rose Campbell, Vivien Vanders Campbell, and Hardin Dane Helton.
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