Dr. Bennie Lee Baker, 81, passed peacefully on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, in Florence, South Carolina surrounded by his devoted wife, Channie, and their children, Brian and Chandra.

Dr. Baker was born on November 20, 1944, in Cusseta, Georgia, to the late William B. Baker, Sr. and Mattie Ida Peterson Baker. He was educated in the Chattahoochee County Public School System and graduated from Cusseta Industrial High School with the Class of 1961.

A lifelong scholar with an extraordinary commitment to education, medicine and scientific research, Dr. Baker earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Science Education from Albany State College, now Albany State University, in Albany, Georgia. He earned a Master of Science degree in Biological Science from Tuskegee Institute, now Tuskegee University, in Tuskegee, Alabama.

Dr. Baker continued his studies at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, where he earned a Master of Science degree in Biological Chemistry, a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Biological Chemistry and his Doctor of Medicine degree. He completed his residency in Internal Medicine at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and a fellowship in Hepatology and Gastroenterology at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, through Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. He later earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland.

Before entering the medical profession, Dr. Baker taught biology and chemistry at a senior high school in Albany, Georgia. He also worked as a staff chemist for Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati, Ohio.

His distinguished medical career included service as a General Internal Medicine Medical Officer with the District of Columbia Department of Human Services in Washington, D.C. and Clinic Chief of the Anacostia Medical Clinic within the District of Columbia Hospitals and Clinics.

Dr. Baker also practiced part-time as an emergency room physician with National Emergency Services, Inc. in Toledo, Ohio; Spectrum Emergency Care, Inc. in St. Louis, Missouri; and National Emergency Services, Inc. in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He served part-time as a medical examiner in Tazewell County, Virginia.

He later practiced emergency medicine through Bennie L. Baker, MD, PhD, PC in Gaithersburg, Maryland and served as a hospitalist at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, South Carolina.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Baker authored or contributed to 16 publications, 13 scientific abstracts and held 2 patents.

In addition to his extensive educational and professional accomplishments, Dr. Baker honorably served in the United States Army and the United States Army Reserve, retiring with the distinguished rank of Colonel.

Dr. Baker was a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. His special recognitions and professional distinctions included Who’s Who at Albany State College, membership in the Alpha Kappa Mu Honor Society, Fellow of the American College of Physicians and Diplomate of the American College of Ethical Physicians.

Dr. Baker shared 59 wonderful years of marriage with his devoted wife, Channie. During their years together, he moved his family eight times across seven states, always in pursuit of greater opportunities and a better life for those he loved.

He was preceded in death by his firstborn daughter, Alica; his father, William B. Baker, Sr.; his mother, Mattie Ida Peterson Baker; two brothers, William B. Baker, Jr. and James Baker; and two sisters, Evelyn and Charlotte.

Dr. Baker leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Channie; his son, Brian; his daughter, Chandra; two granddaughters, Marissa Baker Scivens and her husband, Julian, and Madison Baker, who affectionately called him “Pappy”; two sisters, Jearleane Baker and Louise Hughes; four brothers, Johnny Baker and his wife, Delores, Joseph Baker and his wife, Claudia, Lionel Baker and his wife, Rowena, and Carl Baker and his wife, Emma; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, extended family members, colleagues, patients and close friends.

Dr. Baker will be remembered for his infectious laugh, exceptional work ethic, kind heart and unwavering devotion to his family. Above all, he was a great provider and a true inspiration to everyone he encountered. His dedication to helping others reflected the depth of his character, and the number of lives he touched was immeasurable.

Although he was a man of few words, Dr. Baker’s wisdom and his commitment to always being present for his family, friends, colleagues and patients spoke volumes. His remarkable life of service, achievement and love will remain a lasting testament to the extraordinary man he was.

Please keep the family of Dr. Bennie Baker in your thoughts and prayers.