George Henry Baker: January 19, 1930 ~ October 15, 2017

George passed away peacefully at Halifax Hospice Care Edgewater. He was born in Hawthorne, New Jersey, the oldest son of Henry J. and Jean (Jungkind) Baker who had immigrated from the Netherlands.

George lived next to an airport in Red Bank, New Jersey, he became fascinated with flight, secretly he took lessons and soloed as a junior in high school where he and his wife Ginny began their courtship. They were married December 2, 1950 and left for Florida that very night. Their first endeavor was the motel business, then construction, then the dry cleaning business, but aviation was his first love. He always wanted to have his own hanger on an airport.

In 1983 he built his first hanger on New Smyrna Airport, established American Aero Services which he eventually turned over to his best mechanic, Gary Norville. In 1998 he built his second hanger, established George Baker Aviation which he sold to Chris Boulware, a brilliant, young man interested in aviation. In 2009 George was inducted into the EAA Hall of Fame.

In 2011 the FAA awarded him the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and the Charles Taylor Maters Mechanic Award for more than 50 years in aviation.

He has restored many award-winning airplanes which he flew in air shows and competed in Unlimited Air racing. He even had to restore all of his own equipment to new condition. In his "spare" time, he built his family their dream house, restored a Greyhound bus to a beautiful motor home, participated in hydroplane boat racing, was a National Champion in his 280 Class.

George was a ferocious competitor and did not like losing, so he became known as "The World's Best Winner" to his friends. George developed many wonderful friendships in his lifetime and cherished everyone of them. Having been Bill France's first chief pilot, he remained vitally interested in NASCAR racing and watched every race.

George and Ginny were blessed with two wonderful sons; John (Pam) Baker of New Smyrna and Steve (Marea) of Daytona Beach, who gave them three beautiful granddaughters, Lauren (Raul) of St. Petersburg, Dr. Allison (Dave) of Philadelphia and Nicole (Marc) Rosa of Winter Springs, FL, as well as twin great-grandchildren, Sofia and Rafael Pou.

George is also survived by one brother, Dr. Henry J. Baker and his wife Trudy of Auburn, Alabama. Henry dedicated his entire life in research to find a cure for Neurodegenerative diseases in children. Also surviving is one beloved cousin, Joan (Harry) Baker of New Jersey, and several nieces and nephews.

George was a past commander of the Civil Air Patrol, past commander of the Valiant Air Command, a Quiet Birdman, a member of the Elks, AOPA, EAA, Warbirds of America, T-34 Association, Vintage Aircraft Association, Seaplanes Pilot's Association and Living Legends of Auto Racing.

George lived a very full, rewarding life with Ginny by his side, but unfortunately suffered several medical issues the last three years. He never lost his sense of humor and always appreciated his wonderful blessings.

A Memorial Service will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 28, 2017 at Port Orange Presbyterian Church, 4662 S. Clyde Morris Blvd., with Pastor Calvin Gittner officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the George Baker Memorial Fund to support development of therapies of childhood neurodegenerative diseases. Donations can be mailed to Scott-Ritchey Research Center; 1265 H.C., Morgan Drive College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Alabama 36849 with the instructions that the donation are to support the "George Baker Memorial Fund" or donations can be made online by completing the In Memory of section at the bottom of the donation page to indicate the George Baker Memorial Fund . Questions regarding donations can be directed to Allison Baker Bradbury (allisonbradbury@gmail.com ) or Henry Baker (bakerhj@auburn.edu). The family thanks you for remembering our George in this way.

Arrangements are under the care of Lohman Funeral Home Ormond. Condolences for the family may be shared through this online guestbook.