William Baker, III

William "Boot" Baker, III, was born February 16, 1955, the first of five children, to the late William, Jr. and Helen Baker of Palmetto, FL. At an early age, Boot accepted Christ as his Saviour and was baptized under the leadership of the late Rev. J.D. Johnson at St. John MB Church (Palmetto) where he remained a member until his demise.  

Boot attended Lincoln Memorial High School, and was in the first ninth-grade class to integrate Manatee High School, graduating in the Class of 1973. After high school, he joined the US Army and completed 13 years abroad, two tours while stationed in Germany. After an honorable discharge from the military, he was classified as a fully disabled Veteran. 

Family meant everything to Boot. He was a dedicated family man who was a loyal son who adored and admired his parents, always trying to emulate them in the way he was reared. Boot leaves that same legacy of love to his children and grandchildren. From protecting his siblings and earning the respect of his nieces and nephews, he was adamant about upholding and carrying on the Baker legacy.  

A people person, Boot knew everyone and everyone knew him. Residing within the heart of the community, Boot would entertain all who stopped by with open arms. He had a heart of gold and never met a stranger. All who knew him knew one thing; he was a sharp dresser who "would be dressed to the nines" and would not be seen without a matching hat. In his words, he "was easy to remember and even harder to forget". On April 11, 2025, Boot's earthly season came to a close and his eternal season began. He will never be forgotten and will deeply be remembered. Always.

Boot was predeceased by his parents and siblings, Constance Shinholster and Charles Baker, Sr.

He leaves cherished memories of lifelong and devoted love with his wife, Debra Baker; Children: Darryl Baker, Sr., Ontario Allen (Diane), Brandon Murray (Brandy); Eight grandchildren: Darryl Baker, Jr., Demi Baker, DeMarius Allen, Niyari Murray, McKenzie Murray, Brandon Murray, Jr., Braylen Murray, Tarani Murray. Two siblings: Rosemary Lazier (Ceola) and Monica Brown (Kenny). Special Niece/ Bonus Daughter: Chiquita Lazier; Nieces: Kiana Campbell and Brooklyn Roberts; Nephews: Charles Baker, Jr, Herbert Brooks III, Dorian Brooks, Kenny Brown, Jr., Sharod Campbell and Reginald Roberts, Jr.; Aunts: Vera Woodie (David), Lorraine Braxton (Charles), Wilmateen Jones; Uncle: Charles Simmons; In-Laws: Wanda Campbell (Richard) and Reginald Roberts (Kelly); Special Cousins: Glenise Yawn, Donna Lewis, Hazel Pollock, Mildred Presha-Duncan; Godbrothers: Nathaniel Simmons, Sr. and Ricky Simmons, Sr.; Special Friends: Kia Early, Kenneth Hill, Angela Johnson, Patricia McKinney, Vanessa Peterson, Terry Wiggins, and Manatee High School Class of 1973. Last but not least, he is survived by his dog, Molly, and a host of other relatives and friends.

The Baker Family would like to take this time to thank all of those who have reached out during the loss of our beloved, Boot. May God continue to bless and keep each of you.

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