Ralph Baker

Ralph F. Baker passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2014, at 92 years of age. He was preceded in death by his parents, Minnie and Tunis Baker; and his sister, Jimmie I. Pugh. He is survived by his sister, Flonell Douglas, of Andalusia, Ala.; his nephew, James L. Pugh, of Statesboro, Ga.; his nephews, Bill (Elise) Hamby and David Hamby, of Andalusia, Ala.; and his niece, Margie Hamby (Bill) Casey, of Mobile, Ala. Ralph graduated high school and began working at the age of 16. Several years later he went to work for Norfolk Southern Railway Co. where he was employed for approximately 10 years. He left that job, due to travel requirements, to help care for his father who had suffered a stroke. While caring for his parents he completed court reporting school and became a highly respected and successful court reporter. He moved to Chattanooga and started Baker Pugh and Associates with his sister Jim. He brought his parents with him to Chattanooga and continued to care for them until their deaths. Ralph cherished his parents. Ralph and his court reporters were professional and skilled court reporters who dominated the Chattanooga court reporting profession for many years. Ralph was a generous and kind soul. He had a special place in his heart for animals, small children and those who could not care for themselves. He will be missed extremely by his family and friends. However, his wit, humor and smiles will be forever remembered. A funeral ceremony will be conducted 1 p.m. EST Friday, Jan. 10, 2014, in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. and Honorable Sam H. Payne officiating. The family will receive friends for visitation from 11 a.m. on Friday until the hour of the service at the funeral home. A graveside service will be held 11 a.m. EST Saturday, Jan. 11, 2014, at Pleasant Grove Cemetery, Snead, Ala. Arrangements are by Hamilton Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 4506 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN 37343. 423-531-3975.