Alvin "al" c. Baker '72
1950-2022
Founders class
Al graduated with a degree in History after his four years at Maryville College. Having worked in the College bookstore for two years prior to graduation Al developed relationships with faculty and staff that carried over after graduation. Entering the business world he has worked for the past 40+ years as general manager of National School Products dealing with customers, school systems, and manufacturers from all across the country.
Remaining in Maryville after graduating from MC, Al has been closely involved with the College and with the local alumni group since the late 1970s. He has held leadership positions in the Blount County Alumni Chapter and with the Executive Board of the National Alumni Association. Al has been honored by Maryville College as a Volunteer Honoree, he is a member of the President’s Circle, the Society of 1819, and was a recipient of the Alumni Citation in 2012.
obituary
Alvin "Al" C. Baker died at his home in Maryville, Tenn., Sunday, January 30, 2022, surrounded by family and friends. Al was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur C. and Juanita Baker. He is survived by his brother Dennis, sister-in-law Pamela, nephews Brandon and Dustin Baker, Monica Chron “Aunt Nicka” and beloved friends Rusty and Sharon Kirkpatrick.
Al will be remembered for his generosity, dedication, and unfailing optimism. A graduate of Harriman High School ('68) and of Maryville College ('72), Al continued to serve his college alma mater with leadership positions in the Blount County Alumni Association and Executive Board of the National Alumni Association and a 26-year membership in the President's Circle. As general manager of National School Products for over 40 years, Al was fond of saying he could do, "generally, anything."
A proud Highlander, generous philanthropist, and successful manager, Al once wanted to build things. And indeed, his legacy will be the people, organizations, and even buildings he helped form and shape with his gifts and talents—building an enduring business; mentoring employees; developing alumni relationships through indefatigable volunteerism; cultivating future alumni through the establishment of a scholarship fund; and supporting the construction of buildings such as the Clayton Center for the Arts. But perhaps most of all, Al built tremendous, lasting, lifelong friends, who will continue to celebrate and share his legacy.
A graveside service will be held Saturday, February 5 at 2:00 at Roane Memorial Gardens (Rockwood, Tenn.); a celebration of life service will be held Saturday, February 12 at 2:00 at Clayton Center for the Arts at Maryville College (Maryville, Tenn.).
In Lieu of flowers please make memorial contributions to the Alvin C Baker Endowment Scholarship at Maryville College.
"So the memory fresh shall linger, through life's smiles and tears." —Maryville College Alma Mater