John Richard "Dick" Baxter, Jr.

John Richard Baxter, Jr. (Dick), was walked home by his family to his beloved Jesus on November 12 at the age of 76. 

Dick was born in 1948 to the late John and Pattie Baxter of Sumter, S.C. The Palmetto State remained deep in his blood even after he moved to Georgia, as evidenced by his impeccable dress code and love of the South Carolina coast. He never missed an opportunity to eat shrimp and watch storms over the ocean at Litchfield Beach or Pawleys Island. 

He was a lifelong learner, known for his love of books and scholarship. He obtained a Bachelor of Science at Wofford College and a Master of Divinity at Emory University’s Candler School of Theology. He always had a book recommendation ready for any occasion and was affectionately known as “the professor,” using each moment to teach and guide others. 

He moved to Gainesville, GA in 1980 when he married Julia, with whom he just celebrated his 44th wedding anniversary. His love and commitment to her was evidenced by his transition from South Carolina gamecock fan to Georgia bulldog fan. After they married, they were founding members of Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he faithfully served as elder and teacher. Throughout his life, he prioritized his wife and children, who were his joy and pride. 

A steady and contemplative soul, Dick’s reach was wide and influential. He fully lived out his purpose in the unshakeable Kingdom of God as one in whom Christ dwells and delights. He worked with Young Life, and some of his favorite stories were about his days driving buses full of high school kids across the country. After Young Life he had an impressive business career, working for transportation companies Trailways, Prevost, TUG Manufacturing, and Atlanta Powertrain.

After navigating prostate cancer, Dick began a journey into spiritual direction where he studied at the Renovare Institute under Dallas Willard, his favorite scholar. Dick finished his life well, working with Thumbs Up Mission until his final days. Ever since his own experience with cancer, he had a passion for serving people with the same struggle. One of his favorite lines was “we’re all just walking each other home.”

In addition to his parents, Dick is preceded in death by many precious friends, including those from Thumbs Up. He is survived by his spouse, Julia Carter Baxter, children, Mary Rebecca Baxter, John Richard Baxter, III and Sarah Elizabeth Cain (Jonathon), grandson, Shepherd James Cain, sister Anne Baxter, aunt Elizabeth Taylor, brother-in-law Fletcher Carter (Linda), and numerous extended family members and friends. 

Visitation will be on Friday, November 15, from 12-2pm at Memorial Park Riverside Chapel. A memorial service will be held on Sunday, November 17, at 2PM at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Gainesville, GA with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the ministries where Dick invested much of his life: Thumbs Up Mission, P.O. Box 2697, Gainesville, GA 30503

Eagle Ranch, 5500 Union Church Road, Flowery Branch, GA 30542

Young Life, P.O. Box 5184, Harlan, IA, 51593 (include Gainesville/Hall County area in memo on check)

Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1397 Thompson Bridge Road, Gainesville, GA 30501

Memorial Park Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, Georgia is in charge of arrangements

For online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com .