Charles Dearl Baker, Sr., age 79, of Decherd, Tenn., departed this life on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at St. Thomas Midtown Hospital in Nashville, Tenn.,  was affectionately known to all as "Pappa", was many things to many people. In the first place, he was a man who loved his family deeply. It would be no understatement to say that, next to God, there was nothing that he cared more about than this. While the evidence for this lies within the hearts and memories of all that knew him, further evidence lies in the multitude of pictures that he would candidly shoot of family members (often without their knowledge) in order to savor each and every one of his moments with them. Additionally, he was an outdoorsman. To call him an avid fisherman would be a gross understatement. According to conservative estimates, he caught nearly 100,000 fish on approximately 10,000 fishing trips throughout his lifetime. Beyond this, he loved spending most of his time outside, especially on his back porch, from which place he claimed to be privy to the "best view in the world." He was also a handyman. Although his family has desperately tried, they have been unable to name even one technical skill outside of his range of expertise. More impressive than this, however, is the fact that he would consistently find ways to utilize those skills in order to serve those around him. In the final few years of his life, after receiving the sacrament of baptism at 71 years old, these skills were put to use at the White Oak Grove Church of God on a weekly, if not daily, basis. He was also a dedicated sports fan, rarely missing a chance to cheer on the Atlanta Braves with his wife Betty, not to mention his perfect attendance at nearly three decades worth of super-bowl parties. Finally, no description of his life would be complete without mention of both his insatiable sweet-tooth, which most often found its outlet in honey-buns on a fishing trip, and his practical joking, which allowed him to infallibly predict the outcome of any game, as "the one with the most points" was always his winning pick. This latter attribute was a symptom of his ardent desire to see everyone smile, because, ultimately, Charles was a man who loved those around him with the love of God, a love that surpasses all understanding.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Baker was preceded in death by his brother, Albert Baker. He is survived by his wife, Betty Baker of Decherd, Sons; Chuck Baker of Estill Springs, Mike Baker and wife, Beth of Winchester, Grandson, Nick Baker and wife, Sara of Cleveland, Tenn., sisters; Glenda Halmontaller, Carol Litchford, and Betty Lybarger and husband Kevin, all of Tullahoma.

Visitation for Mr. Baker will be held from 12:00 noon until 3:00 P.M. on Tuesday, October 20, 2020, in the Chapel of Grant Funeral Services. Services will follow at 3:00 on Tuesday with Bro. Johnathan Blazer, officiating.

Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Gardens in Winchester.