Russell “Russ” Ernest Baker, age 75, of Florence, passed away Friday, April 25, 2025. Visitation will be Saturday, May 3^rd from 12:00 noon until 1:00 pm at Williams Funeral Home of Florence. A celebration of life will follow at 1:00 pm in the funeral home chapel.

He was preceded in death by his parents Carl and Vivian Baker; mother and father-in law, C.B. and Martha Bailey.

Survivors are his loving wife of 47 years, Gayla Bailey Baker; daughters, Amy Robertson (Marty), Kim Clemons (Eddy), and Lori Burchell (Tim); sisters, Jeanne Baker and Sue Baker; grandchildren, Carson Vickery (Kayla Gooch), Connor Vickery (Mackenzie), Breyden Burchell (Allison), Morgan Miller (Matthew), Trey Paradise, Tyler Paradise, Josh and Matthew Burchell; great-grandchildren, Ryker, Easton, and Tatum Vickery, Beau Burchell, Kacen Williams and his Fur baby, Aubey.

Russ was of the Methodist faith. He obtained his physics degree at Auburn University in which he was a member of the Honor Society. He was an Eagle Scout and loved riding motor cycles, Auburn sports, and was an avid bird watcher. He is a retired General Manager at Cracker Barrel of Florence.