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Williamsburg Funeral Home
Williamsburg Funeral Home
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08/13/1956 – 04/11/2024
Kingstree
Funeral Services
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, May 11, 2024, at Mount Vernon Methodist Church, 84 Mount Vernon Road, Greeleyville, SC 29056.
Visitation
Heyward’s family will greet friends beginning at 10 AM in the fellowship hall at the church just prior to the service.
Memorials
Memorials may be made to Mount Vernon Methodist Church, Cemetery Fund, c/o Amy Sanders, 3508 Sandy Bay Road, Kingstree, SC 29556 or Williamsburg Technical College Foundation, 601 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., Kingstree, SC 29556.
Edgar Heyward Baker, 67, died unexpectedly at his home in Kingstree, SC on Thursday, April 11, 2024.
Heyward was born August 13, 1956, in Kingstree, SC, a son of the late Emiel Cathcart Baker and Opal Desiree McGee Baker Harrison. He was a graduate of Williamsburg Academy and attended College of Charleston, and Wharton Business School. After 29 years with the Department of Agriculture, Heyward retired as Director of Federal Crop Insurance’s Risk Management Division in Washington, DC and returned to SC to stretch his career with crop insurance to become a consultant and salesman and start a new career as a real estate professional. Upon returning to his hometown of Kingstree, Heyward renewed his interest and love for his community and was appointed to the Town of Kingstree Board of Zoning Appeals and was elected to the Williamsburg County School Board. He loved and was loved by his family, and he always made sure to attend every softball game, dance recital or beauty pageant involving his great nieces. Even though Heyward never fathered a child, he loved children and was father to many. He believed strongly in education, hence his interest in becoming a member of the Williamsburg County School Board. He also wanted all to be able to further their education and be successful in life. Heyward loved to travel, especially when it involved great meals in fine restaurants.
Surviving Mr. Baker are: his nieces, Leesa Baker (Kee) Belue and Emily Baker (Josh) Kellahan; great nieces, Avery and Ellie Belue and Emelia and Tanner Kellahan; and sister-in-law, Nancy Harrington Baker, all of Kingstree. He also leaves behind cousins and dear friends who will miss him greatly. In addition to his parents, Heyward was preceded in death by his brother Emiel Cathcart Baker, Jr.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM, May 11, 2024, at Mount Vernon Methodist Church, 84 Mount Vernon Road, Greeleyville, SC 29056. Heyward’s family will greet friends beginning at 10 AM in the fellowship hall at the church just prior to the service. Memorials may be made to Mount Vernon Methodist Church, Cemetery Fund, c/o Amy Sanders, 3508 Sandy Bay Road, Kingstree, SC 29556 or Williamsburg Technical College Foundation, 601 Martin Luther King, Jr. Ave., Kingstree, SC 29556. Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituaries page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com
My wonderful and caring first cousin was related to me through my mother, Mary Virgina Baker Gee.
She was sister to Heyward’s father. Emiel C. Baker. I was so blessed to have him in my life. He was always there for me and never complained. He enjoyed helping others and teaching children. He was civic minded. He wanted to see Kingstree and Willamsburg County grow. He offered educational improvements serving on the Williamsburg County School Board of Education. My condolences to Em Baker’s children. My prayers are with all of you.
Don’t know what to say about this. In shock. Thinking of Nancy especially, but also her girls. Heyward loved you all so much. Haven’t seen him in a few months, which is a major regret now. Loved him. True brother since we were born. So many memories, including a lot of them that are my earliest life memories. Heyward and Em were such a big part of my early life.
You will be so sadly missed my friend!
We are heartbroken by the passing of our dear cousin. He was a kind man who loved his family. His community was very important to him. Kingstree has lost a true advocate. He will be missed deeply. We love you, Heyward.
Heyward will be missed by all who knew him Special person in my life growing up. We had great times together out on the farm and later in Charleston many years later. He could always make me laugh. I’ll see you one day
Your cousin Bonnie
I did not know Heyward when I lived in Kingstree, but I did meet him when I lived in the DC area. We had just corresponded recently abt he and Myra Blakely coming to visit me and my husband in Montana. Rest in Peace, Heyward. You are missed.
To my cousin Heyward
I will miss you and everyone you loved will also.
I have many beautiful memories of us when I
came to visit out in the country as a kid then
when we reconnected years later in Charleston.
You are a very special person to me.
I love you
Bonnie
A true gentleman who will be missed. Heyward’s New Years dinner was an unforgettable traditional southern feast. Rest in Peace 🕊️
Heyward was a wonderful friend, mentor, supervisor and business partner. He was a caring man with an open heart. I will miss his wicked humor, his strong opinions, and his unwavering friendship. His passing is a great loss to his family and his friends. I am thankful to have known him.
Thinking of when I was back in college in 84, living with my girlfriend. We had a fight, and broke up, about a week before finals for the spring. Called you, asking for a place to stay until after finals. Your response was, sure, got an extra bedroom already set up, bring your clothes. A year in a half later, having finished school, move to Florida for my first real job beyond the farm. Never would consider letting me leave, would you. Miss you brother, and you truly were, my brother.
I’m so sorry to hear this. He was a good man whom I had worked with from 1976-2009.
Heyward was a true southern gentlemen who was one of the most polite, respectful, and caring people I knew. He was instrumental in the growth of the Federal crop insurance program throughout the 90’s and early 2000’s. He was one of the most loyal and dedicated employees within the Risk Management Agency, always offering to assist where needed. Above all he was a true friend, respected co-worker, and someone who truly looked for the good in others and wanted to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately distance and time kept us from keeping up as much as we should have, and I always thought I would catch up with him when traveling in the South. I am taken aback that he has left us this soon. Rest in peace, from your friend and co-worker.
This just breaks my heart. Joe and I thought the world of Heyward. He will be missed. Prayers for his family.
Heyward was such a class act that I always referred to him as Mr. Baker. It seemed blasphemous to call such a gentleman by his first name. He was truly a delight to work with. Rest easy, Mr. Baker. Your work here is done.
Shocked to hear of Heyward’s passing. He was a nice neighbor. I had a large heavy print that he offered to hang for me. He was so precise in getting it hung and leveled. As he departed he told me that anytime he could be of help just let him know. Such a kind gentleman.
My condolences to Nancy, Leesa, Emily and their families.
His responsible manner, individual and professional success, love for his friends and family was always so admirable. Distance, politics and time had affected our relationship for several years now. I did not know his health was in peril. I’m grateful at least I was able to communicate to him this year that I’d always love him and care for his well being. He voluntarily touched my life in positive ways. I’m deeply saddened by this news. May peace be upon him and all those feeling this loss.
So sorry to hear the news about Heyward. He was so helpful to me back in our years at RMA so many times when I really needed it. Glad to see that he is being remembered as such a blessing. Best wishes to the family.
Heyward was a good man from a lovely family who was a great friend to many and a serious advocate for education. He was a skilled orator with a biting wit. We will all miss him.