John Richard Baxter III

John Richard Baxter III, 34, unexpectedly left this life and moved to the next on January 29, 2024, after an accident at his home in Lexington, North Carolina. While his family, friends, and co-workers were shocked by his death, we are grateful for his life, for the love and laughter he injected into ours. 

John was born in Downers Grove, Illinois, to Gale Holladay-Baxter and John R. (Carla) Baxter Jr.  He is survived by his beloved daughter, Kira Wilson of Calhoun, Georgia; his parents, his sister Emilyn (Timothy) Ritchie, and his nephews Elliott Land and Benjamin Ritchie, all of Illinois; his grandparents, John R. and Brenda Baxter of Denton, North Carolina; and various aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Edgar and Rita Holladay of Carmel, Indiana.

When John was young, he enjoyed riding his dirt bike. Later in life he enjoyed home maintenance and beautification, and life at the lake with his grandparents -- fishing, boating, and riding the jet ski. He loved being outdoors. Some of his favorite indoor activities included playing chess, repairing non-working mechanical things, collecting coins and video games, playing video games, and cooking.

John was a very hard worker who never did anything halfway, and was an excellent problem-solver. He had been working as a shift supervisor at Egger Wood Products in Linwood, North Carolina, where he was able to exercise his cognitive abilities. But his loftiest goal in life was always to be a good dad and provide for his daughter. He is leaving a huge hole in the hearts of all of us who loved him.

A Celebration of Life is being planned for late May in Illinois.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Richard Baxter III, please visit our floral store.