Dennis Ray Baker

Dennis Ray Baker of Snellville, Georgia, passed away on June 18, 2025, at the age of 70. Born in Benton Harbor, Michigan, on December 29, 1954, Dennis lived a life of courage, compassion, loyalty, and unwavering love for his family.

From an early age, Dennis had a strong sense of duty and honor. He answered the call to serve his country and spent 25 years in uniform, first with the United States Marine Corps and later the U.S. National Guard, serving from 1972 to 1997. He retired with the rank of Sergeant First Class—a role he earned through integrity, discipline, and his natural ability to lead and protect others. His service was not just a career—it was a calling that shaped the man he would become: dependable, resilient, and committed to something greater than himself.

Dennis was a man of many talents and passions. A gifted musician, he played the drums, guitar, and bass with ease and joy. Music was not only a creative outlet but a way for him to connect with others—whether performing or singing karaoke, his energy and spirit always shone through. In recent years, he found fun and relaxation in the virtual world, especially playing Minecraft with his family. He brought the same heart and creativity to his gaming as he did to everything else in life.

But no role meant more to Dennis than being a husband and father. He was completely devoted to his wife, Heather, and their son, Malcolm. Their bond was extraordinary—more than love, it was partnership, laughter, mutual respect, and deep emotional connection. Whether they were working on a household project, playing video games, or simply relaxing on the couch, Dennis was happiest when they were together. It didn’t matter what they were doing—what mattered was that they were doing it side by side.

He was Malcolm’s role model and hero, and Heather’s everything. He made his family feel loved, cherished, and safe every single day. He said “I love you” often, not just with words but through quiet actions, warm hugs, and daily moments of encouragement and care. He embodied strength and sensitivity in equal measure—truthful, protective, caring, intelligent, humble, and kind. His presence was grounding, and his love had a strength that could be felt in the room.

Dennis’s kindness extended well beyond his own home. He was always willing to help others—offering advice, sharing skills, or lending a hand. One friend told Heather that Dennis made his family safer just by sharing what he knew. That was who he was: a protector, a giver, someone who made the world a better place by being in it.

He is preceded in death by his beloved mother, Dessi Mott Baker; father, Walter Thomas Baker; brother, Rick Baker; and sister, Janet Baker Culbreath. Their memories were held close in his heart.

Dennis is survived by his loving wife, Heather Baker; his son, Malcolm Baker; and his brother, Terry Baker and his wife, Kim. He leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, strength, and music—a legacy that lives on in the hearts of those who loved him.

Though Dennis is no longer with us in body, his spirit lives on in every chord of music played, every family moment shared, and every life he touched. He was a man of purpose, full of heart, and his memory will be honored forever.