Robert Flowers Baker

Robert Flowers Baker was an inspiring, resilient man. Battle-tested and unwavering in spirit, he carried himself with humility, athletic drive, and a sense of humor that lifted those around him. He lived with a strong Christian faith and an unshakeable love for his family, his profession, his alma maters, and the comfort of country music.

He was a true Southern gentleman, a champion of civic responsibility, and a thoughtful listener to clients, colleagues, and anyone offering up a good joke. His laughter was contagious, his smile was sincere, and his hugs were heartfelt. These personal hallmarks defined a remarkable man whose life was filled with accomplishments that were admired by those who knew him well or were fortunate enough to cross his path along the way.

Born in Durham, North Carolina on December 15, 1935, Bob, aka Bobby, attended Hope Valley School, Calvert Methodist School, and Carr Junior High School. During those early childhood years, he served as batboy for the Duke University baseball team.

His joy of education and athletics continued at Episcopal High School in Alexandria, Virginia, where he excelled in the classroom and was named a monitor his senior year. “Be-Bop” was a three-letter athlete in basketball and track and served as a captain of the cross-country team. His talent and passion for basketball carried him to Davidson College, where he played for the Wildcats from 1954 to 1958 and became a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity.

After graduating from Davidson College, he earned his law degree from Duke University School of Law before serving two years of active duty in the United States Army Intelligence Corps. His assignments included Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort McPherson, Maryland. Following his military service, from which he retired with the rank of Captain, he returned to Durham, the city he would proudly call home for the rest of his life.

Bobby’s principles were shaped not only by these formal institutions that influenced his early life, but also by a proud family legacy. He was the grandson of Robert Lee Flowers, Duke University’s second president, and the eldest of two sons of the legendary orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Lenox Dial Baker. Yet his greatest source of inspiration and strength came during his courtship of Billie Faye Edwards of Durham, North Carolina, the beautiful woman he would marry in June of 1958 at Duke Chapel. A cherished marriage defined by great joys and happiness, including the gift of three loving children.

He was a partner at Spears, Barnes, Baker & Wainio, where he practiced from 1963 to 2000, specializing in criminal and family law, product liability, and insurance defense. During that time, he served as President of the North Carolina Bar Association (1982–83), leading with the same respect, integrity, and humility that defined his distinguished career as an attorney, mediator, and arbitrator.

Additionally, he was elected President of the Durham County Bar Association and remained deeply engaged in civic and professional life throughout the years. He was a longtime member of the Tobaccoland Kiwanis Club and the Durham County Safety Patrol Board, and he served as President of Hope Valley Country Club. Among the honors he held most dear were serving as State Chair of the American College of Trial Lawyers and receiving the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine from the State of North Carolina. His commitment to service extended to the Board of Trustees of Episcopal High School and Lenox Baker Children’s Hospital, as well as to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, where he faithfully served as Senior Warden.

Bobby was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Flowers Baker; his father, Lenox Dial Baker; his stepmother, Margaret Copeland Baker; his wife, Billie Faye Edwards Baker; his father-in-law, W.W. Edwards; his mother-in-law, Ophelia Johnson Edwards; and his second wife, Barbara Ferguson Baker.

He is survived by his brother, Lenox Dial Baker, Jr. (Fran); his three children: William Lenox Baker of Raleigh, North Carolina; Dial Baker Love and her husband, Leonard Norman Love, of Richmond, Virginia; and Robert Flowers Baker, Jr., and his wife, Elizabeth Scull Baker, of Dallas, Texas.

He leaves seven amazing grandchildren: Allison Baker Doak (John); Lenox Baker Meythaler (Bradford) and their mother, Leigh Hines Baker; Robert Norman Love; William Baker Love (Kate); Annie Ward Love; Robert Lenox Baker; and Virginia Elizabeth Baker.

Plus, seven great-grandchildren, Miller, GiGi, and Bobby Meythaler; Evy and Baker Doak; and Nellie and Margot Love.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, February 19th at 2:00pm at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church, 82 Kimberly Dr, Durham, NC 27707. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National MS Society. A donation to your local “19th hole” would also be a fitting tribute to Bobby’s legendary, back-bending fade off the tee box.