James Doyle Baker, age 83, of Berry, Alabama, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at DCH Regional Medical Center in Tuscaloosa. Services for Mr. Baker will be held Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Norwood-Wyatt Chapel. The family will receive friends for visitation one hour prior to the service. Norwood-Wyatt Chapel is directing the service.

A man of deep faith, immense talent, and a famously eclectic spirit, Doyle left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.

Born in Berry on March 7, 1942, to the late James and Margaret Baker, Doyle remained a steadfast pillar of his community throughout his life. He was a devoted member of the Berry Church of Christ, where he used his musical gifts to lead worship and share his love for the Lord.

Doyle briefly served in the United States Navy and was a member of the U.S. Navy Chorus, where he combined his love of music with service to his country. Though his time in the Navy was short, he was honorably discharged—a distinction he rarely mentioned and never made much of.

He later attended the University of Alabama School of Music, further shaping the musical foundation that would influence a lifetime of teaching and mentorship.

A retired employee of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency, Doyle faithfully served for many years. Alongside his professional career, he was a gifted and beloved music educator, having taught more than 5,000 students through voice and piano lessons over the course of his lifetime. He instilled a love for music in generations of students, many of whom carried his influence far beyond the piano bench.

His musical tastes were wonderfully broad—ranging from the intricate compositions of Debussy and Brahms to the unexpected bass lines of modern hip-hop, which he delighted in playing for his grandchildren.

A lifelong learner and a teacher at heart, Doyle was as comfortable lecturing on 17th-century opera as he was teaching his family the practical arts of beekeeping, vegetable gardening, hunting ginseng, identifying wildflowers, and properly germinating seeds. He found beauty in the “bigger picture” of God’s creation and often quoted Psalm 139:6: “Such knowledge is too wonderful for me.”

Doyle also had a deep love for genealogy and family history. He delighted in tracing family lines, uncovering stories of generations past, and helping others understand where they came from. For him, genealogy was another way of seeing God’s hand across time—connecting faith, family, and legacy.

He also dearly loved his little Yorkie, Benji, his constant companion. Whether riding along, keeping him company at home, or simply curled up nearby, Benji was rarely far from Doyle’s side and brought him great joy and comfort.

Whether pulling into a stranger’s driveway to strike up a conversation or sharing a “Fish-Fil-A” meal from McDonald’s, Doyle viewed the world with curiosity, humor, and grace. He was a constant encourager and a steady source of wisdom in the lives of all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Shiela Baker, and his parents.

Those left to cherish his memory include his children: David Baker (Mitzi) of Savannah, Tennessee; Dana Emanuel (Mike) of Crump, Tennessee; and Jeremy Baker of Berry, Alabama; his brother, Edward Baker (Midge) of Berry, Alabama; his grandchildren, Andrew Baker (Briana), Eli Baker (Sydney), Anna Grace Oswalt (Devin), and Ben Beavers (Katherine); his great-grandchildren, Vinny, Aurora, and Camdyn, with two additional great-grandchildren on the way; as well as two nephews and one niece.

Pallbearers will be Andrew Baker, Eli Baker, Ben Beavers, Devin Oswalt, Jason Baker, Ben Baker, and Roger Handley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Loft Outreach (Fayette, Alabama) or Gracepoint Church Youth Fund (Savannah, Tennessee).

Doyle’s life reminded us to give of our time, talents, and hearts freely and to appreciate the little things. He will be deeply missed.