Rev. David J. Baker, age 71, of Adairsville, went to be with his Lord and Savior Monday, May 18, 2026, surrounded by his loving family,

David was born, October 18, 1954, in Cartersville, GA, to the late Jennie Ruth Shook Baker and Amos W. Baker. In addition to his parents, David was greeted in Heaven by his loving wife of 51 years, Sara Sue Ingram Baker and their infant son, Matthew Baker, brothers, Bill Baker, Nathan Baker (Joyce) and Tommy Baker (Linda) and sister, Jennie Robin Baker Guthrie.

Survivors include his beloved daughter, Beth Kelly and husband Tim; his pride and joy, granddaughter, Harper Grace Kelly; sisters, Janie Mauldin and husband Joel, Jeanelle Abernathy, Alice Ray and husband Frank, and Joyce Overby; sisters-in-law, Sybil Baker, Kathy Ingram Thompson and Susan Ingram; brother-in-law, Billy Guthrie; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

David was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend, whose life was a true reflection of faith, service, and devotion to the Lord. Called to preach at the young age of 15, he faithfully answered God’s calling and by the age of 18 was pastoring his first church, Corinth Baptist Church. Over the next 54 years, David dedicated his life to the ministry, pastoring many local churches, preaching countless revivals, and sharing the Gospel wherever the Lord led him. His final pastorate was at Oak Grove Baptist Church, where he continued ministering to others with stewardship and compassion. Whether behind the pulpit or in his everyday life, he served God faithfully and touched the hearts of many families through his kindness, wisdom, and unwavering Christian spirit.

Outside of ministry, David was a hardworking man who dedicated years of service working for Coca-Cola, Baker Grading, and later retiring from the Bartow County School System. He enjoyed tinkering with old equipment, farming, and spending time in his garden, where he was well known for growing some of the best tomatoes around. He especially enjoyed setting up at local farmers’ markets and visiting with friends and neighbors. Above all else, David deeply loved his family. Coming from a large family himself, he was always there to lend a helping hand and support those he loved. His daughter and granddaughter were the light of his life, and his legacy of faith, love, and service will continue to live on through all who were blessed to know him.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 2:00 PM from Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church, Kingston with Reverends Sammy Adams, Donald Collum Kenny Rogers and Brent Edwards officiating. Musical selections will be provided by Mrs. Melanie, Ms. Katie and Ms. Karli Rogers. Interment will follow in Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Cemetery, Kingston.

Pallbearers include Justin Baker, Greg Mauldin, Michael Ingram, Scott Ingram, Eddie Ingram, Greg Ingram, Shane Abernathy, Michael Baker, Dwayne Abernathy, Joe Ray, T. J. Ray, Thomas Earl Baker, Steven Baker, Jeremy Ferguson, Josh Ferguson, Billy Baker, Jr. and Chuck Wamby. The family invites other local pastors who joined in sharing the Word of God with David, in any capacity, to serve as honorary pallbearers.

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Barton Funeral Home.

R. Dudley Barton & Son Funeral Home, Adairsville, is in charge of funeral arrangements for Rev. David J. Baker.