CECIL RICHARD BAKER

Cecil Richard “Ricky” Baker passed away on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Ricky shared 29 wonderful years of marriage with his beloved wife, Cyndi Heriot Baker. Together, they built a beautiful blended family, raising their daughter, Kimberly (Rhett) Baker Harrelson, and son, Carson (Chandler) Baker. The arrival of their grandson, Colsen Cecil Baker, in 2024 completed their dream of a family filled with love and happiness.

Ricky was a contractor for more than 30 years and a master cabinetmaker whose craftsmanship and dedication left a lasting mark on the Sumter area and surrounding communities. Throughout his career, he built more than 100 homes, taking tremendous pride in creating quality, custom-built homes for the families he served. His work reflected not only his skill and attention to detail, but also his commitment to building something lasting for others.

During his high school years, Ricky discovered his love for music and began playing bass guitar in several bands. That passion stayed with him throughout his life, as did the lifelong friendships he shared with his bandmates in the Turkey Creek Band.

Outside of his work and music, Ricky enjoyed fishing, shag dancing and cheering on his beloved Carolina Gamecocks. Above all else, his greatest joy was his family. He was immensely proud of his children, and the arrival of his grandson, Colsen, brought a special happiness to his life. The love he had for his family was evident in everything he did, and the memories they shared will be treasured for generations to come. He was a member of Alice Drive Baptist Church and served as a deacon.

In addition to his wife, children and grandson, Ricky leaves behind his mother-in-law, Elaine Heriot McLeod; sisters-in-law, Melissa Heriot Burke and Barbara Baker; and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his beloved fur babies, Brynlee, Remi, Rylee and Lacey, who were constant companions and rarely far from his side.

Ricky was preceded in death by his parents, David and Elizabeth Baker; his brother, Joseph Lee Baker Sr.; and his sister, Carolyn Baker Stewart; uncle, Leslie (Ruth) Ward; and aunts, Lillian Ward and Alice Ward Graham.

Ricky will be remembered for his craftsmanship, his love of music, his many friendships, and, most importantly, his unwavering love for his family. The homes he built, the music he played and the memories he created will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 12, 2026, in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home Chapel officiated by the Rev. Todd Fleming.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home.

In lieu of flowers, please make online gifts in memory of Ricky Baker, to the Dementia Society of America, www.DementiaSociety.org/donate.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.