Benjamin Baker Obituary

BENJAMIN BAKER SR. 05/06/1940 - 10/13/2025 Mr. Benjamin Edgar "Ben" Baker, Sr., a resident of Ozark, passed away Monday, October 13, 2025, in Southeast Health Medical Center, following a brief illness. He was 85 years old. A memorial service for Mr. Baker was held 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, October 21, 2025, at Trinity Methodist Church in Ozark with Reverend Marty Hamilton officiating, Holman Funeral Home of Ozark directing. The family received friends Tuesday in the church from 9:30 A.M. until service time. Ben was born May 6, 1940, in Louisville, Alabama, to Bennie Frank and Mary Nell Green Baker. He excelled in athletics at Louisville, and at 5'6", 125 lbs, received a football scholarship to Troy State, where he was known as a "hard hitter!" After receiving his BS Degree in Physical Education, Ben began his coaching career at Enterprise as an assistant. He soon became Head Coach at Union Springs, then Daleville, before returning to Enterprise as an assistant, where he coached for many years. He was a big sports fan and loved Westerns, especially Gunsmoke! But his greatest joy in life was being "Pop" to his grands! Ben retired from coaching and began working for Enterprise Wholesale. He spent 47 years in the flooring business, ending with Ben Baker Flooring in Ozark, where he had just retired. He loved his grandchildren, fast cars, fishing, hunting, golf and riding horses. Ben was an outgoing, lovable man, and a friend to everyone! He helped start the Men's Breakfast Club at Ozark First United Methodist Church. He considered that his Ministry. Ben also served on the Board of Trustees and was a devoted member for many years. He was a Charter Member of Trinity Methodist Church, Ozark in 2023. Ben was a member of The Carroll High School Quarterback Club. In 1993, he married the love of his life, Nancy Griffin Baker, and they worked together in the business. They were happily married for 32 years. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Jeannie Baker Clark, and step-son, Andrew Griffin Harris. Survivors include his loving wife, Nancy; sons, Benjamin E. Baker, Jr, (Kimberly), Montgomery, and Burt Parrish Baker (Ashley), Savannah, Ga.; bonus son, Clark Harris (Alvin Diamond), Troy; grandchildren whom he adored Isabella Baker, Mobile, Benjamin E. Baker, III, Troy, and Liam Baker, Montgomery, Eliot Baker, Savannah, Ga., and Katharine Anne Harris of Hoover; one sister, Lenora Helms (Johnny); one brother, Joe Baker (Janet); and one sister-in-law, Celeste Horne(Tommy). Many special nieces and nephews also survive. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made in Ben's memory to Trinity Methodist Church Memorial Garden Fund, 246 Church Avenue, Ozark, Alabama 36360. Condolences may be expressed at www.HolmanFuneralHome.com.