Alva R. Baker was born November 27, 1939 to Charles Whitfield Baker and Netta Dickerson Baker. On June 13, 2015 he left his earthly home in Choctaw Beach and received his home in heaven. He ran the race one day at a time and blessed all that his life touched. He had the patience of Job and was a giant of a man.
Alva was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, William Howell Baker and Marl Whitfield Baker.
He is survived by a wife he loved and adored, Anneice H. Baker. Children he cherished: Pamela Perrich (David) of Pensacola, FL; James Baker (Paula) of Dixie, AL; Sheryl Benefield (Jeff) of Prattville, AL; Jan Bailey (Jeff) of Mobile, AL; Gary Owens (Shannon) of DeFuniak Springs, FL; A.G. Owens of Oklahoma. Grandchildren who were the light of his life: Taylor Benefield, Tony Brush, Codey, Travis and Trevor Owens, Paige Walker, Ashten and Ariel Perrich, Courtney and Nicole Baker, Isabella Owens, and nieces and nephews he treasured. He is also survived by his dear brother Carl Baker (Charlene) of Cottondale, FL; sister Helen Murphy (Jim) of Choctaw, FL; and sister-in-law Earnestine Baker of Chipley, FL.
Viewing will be held Monday, June 15, 2015 from 6:00-8:00 PM, at Southwide Baptist Church, 1307 Coy Burgess Loop, DeFuniak Springs, FL. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 16, 2015 at 2:00 PM at Southwide Baptist Church, with the Rev. Anthony Cuchens presiding. Burial will follow at Southwide Cemetery.
In lieu of Flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Alva R. Baker to Village Baptist Church's Angel Tree, Missions or Building Fund. The church located at 101 Matthew Blvd., Destin, FL 32541.
Pallbearers will be Taylor Benefield, Codey Owens, Travis Owens, Trevor Owens, J.W. Baker, and Clint Bruner. Honorary pallbearers will be Grady Rushing, David Johnson, Kenneth Thompson, Charles Washington, James Cuchens, and Mike McCraney. Brown Funeral Home are in charge of arrangements.