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Gregory Alexander Baxter, 70, of Fayetteville, Georgia, passed away July 18, 2024, after a full life as a beloved family man, avid aviator and innovative professional who embraced new technology in software, data science and engineering.
Mr. Baxter was born April 27,1954, in New Bern, North Carolina, to Theodore Joshua Baxter and Gladys (Cox) Baxter. At age 5, he moved with his Mother to Williamsburg, Virginia, and spent his youth there. He graduated in 1972 from James Blair High School, where he was involved with the photography, scuba diving and Skydiving clubs.
As a child and throughout his youth, Mr. Baxter played the fife in the Colonial Williamsburg Fifes & Drums corps. He was a lifetime member of the corps, and as an adult, participated in an all-corps reunion, marching through Gloucester Street.
He had a lifelong love of aviation, earning his private pilot’s license even before getting his driver’s license — making his first solo flight from the Williamsburg- Jamestown Airport when he was 15. He was type-rated for several airplanes and later flew as a pilot with Atlantic Southeast Airlines for a short time.
Mr. Baxter married the former Elizabeth Hart in Washington, Indiana, on May 31, 1980. They met at Chicago O’Hare International Airport after the blizzard of January 1978 caused many travel delays and strandings. She had been traveling for two straight weeks as an airline attendant for Delta, and he was working as an agent with Allegheny Airlines at the time. They met while waiting for their respective buses. “We just started talking, and you know, that twinkle in his eye,” Mrs. Baxter said.
They raised two sons, Alexander Joshua Baxter and Carson Alexander Baxter, and became loving grandparents to Carson’s children, Triston Riley and Lily Grace. Mr. Baxter graduated from Purdue University in 1984 with degrees in both computer information systems and aeronautical aerospace. Upon graduation, he worked for Cullinet software in Atlanta and, after six months, started his own company, working as a data scientist for various clients over the years until he retired in December of 2022.
Like most of his generation, Mr. Baxter loved watching “Lassie” on television, and at age 6 even met Pal, one of the dogs who portrayed Lassie, when Pal came to Williamsburg. When Mr. Baxter grew up, he went out and found his own Lassie, and then another and another. With his wife and their two sons, he raised a total of 10 collies and two Shelties over the past 44 years. “We even had Gabe, the Sheltie that Greg had when I met him, at our wedding reception,” Mrs. Baxter said.
Mr. Baxter is survived by his wife, the former Elizabeth Hart; two sons, Alexander Joshua Baxter (Kaydee Mattingly) and Carson Alexander Baxter, both of Fayetteville; two grandchildren, Triston Riley Baxter and Lily Grace Baxter; and his sister, Jeanie Baxter Russell of Surry, Virginia. His brother, Ted, and his parents, Theodore and Gladys, preceded him in death.
A celebration of his life will be held September 28, 2024, in Williamsburg. The family will receive guests from noon to 6 p.m. on September 28 at 2884 Chickahominy Road, Williamsburg, Va. Please RSVP to 757-645-7451
Memorial donations to honor Mr. Baxter can be made to the American Cancer Society, at cancer.org or by mail to the ACS at P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741.
The Baxter Family is being assisted by Georgia Cremation- Fayetteville.
Liz Baxter says
I will love and miss u the rest of my life Punkin..
Karen Martin says
So very sorry for your loss, Liz. Greg was a special person and will be dearly missed by many!
Farwin acord says
So sorry to hear of your and the family’s loss. May the rest of your days be filled with happy memories of you, Greg and the family. RIP, Greg!!
Vicki Bolding says
My heart hurts for your entire family. May your memories comfort you through this difficult time and may they remain in your hearts forever. Greg will always be with you. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Joy Tribbett says
I’m so sorry Liz. Know that you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Always here if you need a shoulder to cry on or a listening ear. Love you girl.
Donna says
so very sorry, Liz. I did not know Greg but if he was your honey, he must’ve been a fabulous man. And this next chapter, made the memories and love of Greg be with you always in your heart my friend . Hugs.♥️
Terry says
Liz, Alex, Carson,
Our family is very sorry for y’all’s loss. Greg will be missed, by everyone who knew him. May God give y’all comfort, strength, and guidance during this difficult time. Sending prayers, love and hugs
Susan Mautte says
My condolences, Liz. Greg was a sweet man and very interesting and accomplished. I know he loved you madly and was loved so much in return.
Clara Allyn says
Liz, I am so sorry for the loss you are experiencing with Greg’s passing. I hope that all those wonderful memories you made together will carry you through the days ahead. Know that you have so many people in your corner. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Sending you a great big hug too!
Kristina Smiley says
My bestie Liz, Greg lives on in all the wonderful memories you two share. Always courteous, always kind, always willing to help when ever possible, That was Greg Baxter. Words can’t express the sorrow enveloped in sadness. Love you and I’m always a call away.
Freda Sims says
Liz, my dear friend, I am grateful that the grandchildren got to experience the wonderful bond between you and Greg. It was an amazing story of complete love and coordination.
The two of you were in total sync with each other. Please know you are still in my prayers.
Love, Always
Melinda Vernon says
I am so sorry. You and your family will be in my heart and prayers. Please take care of you and know you have so many friends that are here if you need us. Love you dear friend
Alice Ramsey says
Sending love and especially my prayers as you grieve the loss of your dear -Greg! 💔!
Karen Perry says
Continuing to send prayers to you and the family thanks. Hopefully they are comforting as you grieve the loss of Greg!! RIP
Joan Soles says
My deepest condolences to a wonderful family.
Warm hugs, Liz.
Laurence Fentriss says
Greg was my best friend in high school. I have so many great memories of that time as Greg’s wingman in mischief. One of the smartest and most creative person I have ever meant .
Juanita Armstead says
My condolences to you and your family on your loss.You all have a special angel watching over you.Prayers for all.🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🪽🪽🪽🪽
George & Shirley (Timberlake) McClellan says
Greg was the best definition of the word life! He made every day count whether it was work, play, father, husband, friend, or stranger. Greg enriched everyone’s lives with his presence via enthusiasm, help, support, wisdom, compassion, friendship, and love. There will never be anyone who can duplicate him, replace him, or forget him. Greg would be there in times of anyone’s needs, happy or sad, and everything in between.
Our sincerest and deepest condolences on the passing of a precious soul. He will live on forever in your hearts and soul of his memory.
God Bless you all with Greg’s eternal love for you.
Shirley & George
Connie McMindes says
Liz, holding you in my prayers. Losing your spouse, best friend, father of your sons and love of your life is so hard. You will have days you won’t think you will make it through. On those days, remember Greg lives on in your heart and all your family memories. Keep your sons and grandchildren close and talk about those memories. Love, hugs and prayers.
Connie McMindes.
Harold (flatspin) Jenkins says
Hi, Liz, I’m Flatspin, and just wanted to say something that no words can really express. I knew Gregg for a too short of a period at Bidwell, but within that short period, memories were made … sweet memories. I’m sincerely sorry …
Ann Walker says
You two brought a lot of joy to so many people. Praying for you and your family.
Diana Wahl says
We are praying that you and your family will feel God’s presence in the days, weeks, months & years to come.
Your Neighbors, Greg & Diana Wahl❤️🙏🏽
Linda Maretich says
My thoughts, prayers and love are with you, Liz, and with your family.
Rick Timberlake says
A hole exists in my soul, where Greg once lived. He got me interested in the Beatles, he got me interested in morotcycles, he got me interested in skydiving (just one static-line jump, thank you.), and he got me interested in Scuba diving, Many of the adventures I’ve had in my life, I’ve had because Greg wanted me to share in the same love of life that came to him so easily. He was there for me in so many ways, I’d use up the alloted space here. I miss you Greg, and I salute your exuberance and sense of humor every day.