Obituary of Luther Benjamin Baker

Luther Benjamin Baker, 80, of West Columbia, SC, went home to be with his Lord on Thursday, February 19, 2021, after a three-week battle with COVID-19.  He was born May 21, 1940, in Camden, SC, to the late Flossie Davis and Daniel Luther Baker.

Luther proudly served his country in the Air Force. Following his years in the service, he became a long-haul truck driver for various companies, including C&H Heavy Transport, Southeastern Freight Lines, and Auto Truck Transport, continuing to drive even after retiring until being diagnosed with cancer. Luther was a loyal Gamecock fan, who shared his love of Carolina football with his sister-in-law, Gloria.

Luther, was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Carolyn Joan Gentry Baker.  He is survived by his sons: Allen L. Baker and Randy (Lynn) Baker, all of West Columbia, SC; stepson, David Edwin Swearingen, Cayce, SC; daughter, Brenda (Noel) Austin, North Dinwiddie, VA; granddaughter, Allison R. Baker (Mike Miller), Gaston, SC; grandson, David J. (Meredith) Martin, North Dinwiddie, VA; step-granddaughter, Ashley K. ( Blake) Hagwood, West Columbia, SC; great-grandchildren, Emery Miller, and Chloe and Everly Martin; and step great-grandchildren: Sidney and Mike Miller, Talon and Mason Harlin and Maddison Blake Hagwood. He also leaves behind his half-sister, Regina Baker, Gaston, SC; half-brother, Danny Baker, Hardeeville, SC; his sister-in-law, Gloria Gentry Shackelford; brother-in-law, P. Keith Carter, Columbia, SC; along with niece, Robin A. Shackelford, Lexington, SC; and nephew, Terry L. (Ali) Shackelford, Clearwater, FL. Luther was predeceased by his sister, Pearline Baker Davis.

Visitation will be Friday, February 26, 2021, 6:00-8:00pm at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington. A funeral service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, February 27, 2021, at Broadacres Baptist Church, Cayce, SC.  Please wear face masks and honor social distancing. Burial will follow in Southland Memorial Gardens in West Columbia, SC.

Memorials may be made to Broadacres Baptist Church, Cayce, SC. or St. LaBre Indian School, Tongue River Road, Ashland, MT 59009.