Rupert “Coach” Baker, of Clarksville, TN, passed away on Saturday, May 21, 2016, at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN.
Rupert was born to the late Granville Baker and Maggie Smith Baker. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Marty Baker and sister, Jeanie Church.
Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. at the Neal-Tarpley-Parchman Chapel with Rev. Greg Glover officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 24, 2016, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. and Wednesday, May 25, 2016, from 9:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home.
Rupert was Co-Owner of Miss Patsy’s Preschool Center. He was a U.S. Army Veteran and standout football and baseball athlete. He was also a standout football and baseball athlete at Austin Peay State University and in Waverly, TN. He was an accomplished golfer. Throughout his life he won countless tournaments, including three state championships.
Rupert is survived by his wife, Patsy Terrell Baker of Clarksville, TN; son, Matt (Lisa) Baker of Clarksville, TN; two daughters, Meredith (Jerry) Baggett of Passchristian, MS and Betsy (Hut) Gray of Clarksville, TN; three brothers, Jimmy Baker, Donnie Baker, and Mickey Baker of Waverly, TN; two sisters, Nebbie (Bill) Binkley of Clarksville, TN and Lee (Sid) Thomas of Nashville, TN; four grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Pallbearers will be John Bell, Dale Ellis, Ron Sleigh, Gary Mathews, Levi Mathews, Landon Mathews, Tommy Shearon, Greg Guinn, Sam Binkley, Daniel Binkley, and John Church. Honorary pallbearers will be the Clarksville Country Club Golf Association and the River Club Golf Association. Special honorary pallbearers will be Charles Hand, Jack Church, Reed Dreadon, and Nick Logan.