Matt Ransom Baker passed away peacefully on March 13, 2024 in Willow Springs, North Carolina at his granddaughters home, surrounded by God, family and love. He was born August 13, 1921 in Catawba County, Hickory North Carolina to Norris Ruffin Baker and Jettie Louella Yoder Baker.

In his young age, and during the depression he lived and worked on a farm and also worked as a clipper at Whistnant Hosiery. Although his work history didn't end there (or ever actually) he owned a plethora of businesses (including a hotel, restaurant and thrift stores), and he eventually retired from Piggly Wiggly. He was a jack of all trades and by far the hardest working man in any room. He worked until he was 100 years old at Randolas Treasures, where his favorite pastime was talking to people that stopped in from all over, while driving through and or visiting Lenoir, North Carolina. When he wasn't working he loved watching horse races, NC State basketball games, scratching lottery tickets and playing the slot machines at the Casino. Matt absolutely loved his family and people in general, he never met a stranger, his smile was contagious.

He is preceded in death, in addition to his parents; by wife, Zenola Baker, daughters Daphane Baker (James West) and Barabra Johnson. Sister, Marie B. and Brothers, Louie, Floyd, Hoke, Willard and Olin.

He is survived by his daughter Deborah Long (Billy) and a host of grandchildren, nieces and nephews all of which Matt loved dearly.

A short and sweet funeral service will be on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at Montlawn Memorial Park, 2911 S Wilmington St. Raleigh NC 27603 at 1:00pm. Burial will be at 2:00pm at Montlawn Cemetary.