Obituaries

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.