LORING K. BAKER

ALPHARETTA, Ga. -- Loring K. Baker, of Sumter, died peacefully in his sleep on Aug. 16 in Alpharetta, Ga., at the age of 77.

He was a world leader in Olympic boxing. He was the first president of USA Boxing, producing the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic boxing team that won nine golds, widely considered the best Olympic boxing team in history. He was also boxing's International Secretary General, making him the 2nd highest ranking person in the world for Olympic boxing. A member of four boxing Halls of Fame, he served on the Georgia Boxing Commission, and held board seats for numerous organizations and scholarship funds.

Married to the late Beulah McCoy Baker of Sumter, he is survived by a son, William L. Baker of Sumter; a daughter, Patricia Baker Maloney of Philadelphia; and two grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 1205 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004 (Atlanta) on Sept. 11 at 2 p.m.

The Loring Keels Baker Memorial Fund has been established to help underprivileged athletes. Contributions can be mailed to 1205 Mayfield Road, Alpharetta, GA 30004.