Mr. David Eugene "Paw Paw" Baker, age 70, of Crandall, Georgia, departed this life Wednesday morning, December 10, 2025, at CHI Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

David was born October 21, 1955, in Madison, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his father, Archie Franklin Baker, and by his mother and stepfather, Mary Louise and Oscar Lorance.

A 1973 graduate of Madison High School in Madison, Tennessee, David went on to work many years with Mohawk Industries, from which he retired. David was a man known for his independence and strong will. He was headstrong and determined, never afraid to stand his ground or speak the truth—even when it was unpopular or uncomfortable. His quick wit, sharp mind, and straightforward honesty were trademarks of who he was. While his words could sometimes be blunt, they always came from a place of sincerity and a heart that cared deeply for those he loved.

David was fiercely loyal, trustworthy, and dependable. Above all else, he was proud of his family and devoted his life to raising his children, including three daughters and two granddaughters, instilling in them strength, resilience, and honesty. To those who truly knew him, David had a great heart and a love that ran deep, even if it wasn't always expressed softly.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cynthia Diane Baker of Spencer, Tennessee; daughters, Lisa and Terry Goforth, Brandy Baker and Adrian Martinez, and Amy Baker, all of Rocky Face, Georgia; son, Timothy and Erin Wayman of Ashland City, Tennessee; grandchildren, Adrionna Baker, Adrian Reyes, Alyssa Bearden, Cody Bearden, Kirrah Marcus, Kaiden Loudermilk, Tobey Elgin, Henry Elgin, Carter Elgin, Timothy Goforth, Declan Wayman, and Finley Wayman; and his best friend, Jesus Vela of Dalton, Georgia.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. David Baker will be held Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Johnny West officiating. He will be laid to rest at Ponders Whitfield Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers honored to serve include Jesus Vela, Cody Bearden, Tanner Elgin, Adrian Martinez, Terry Goforth, and Adrian Reyes.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel on Wednesday after 11:00 a.m. until the service hour.

Arrangements are by Ponders Melrose Chapel,
138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, Georgia 30721
706-226-4002 • www.selectedindependentfuneralhomes.org