On November 14, 2016, Billie Louis Baker, Lt. Colonel USAF retired, took his final flight. He passed away at his home with his wife at his bedside. Billie was born January 5, 1930, to the late Earl Baker and the late Lola Cox Baker in Lilburn MO. He grew up Shipman, IL and graduated school there. In 1952 he joined the United States Airforce as a cadet. He graduated in the class of 54J as a pilot and flew various aircraft on worldwide routes. He retired from the military 1972 after 20 years of service. Subsequent to his Airforce career, he continued to fly for civilian companies in Thailand, Cambodia, and Saudi Arabia. He also attended City College of San Francisco to study hotel and restaurant administration and spent a number of years in the hospitality field. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Ruth Chilton Baker, whom he met in the Philippines. He is also survived by, a son, Billy Steven Baker of Fairfield, CA; two grandsons, Bradley Baker of Sacramento, CA, Christopher Baker of Louisville, KY; his granddaughter, Jennifer Wilson of Washington State. He has a sister, Norma Sue Will and husband, Albert of Wood River, IL; a nephew and wife, Dr. Brady and Linda Will of Hays, KS; and sister-in-law, Geraldine Welch and husband, Harold of Winston Salem, NC; nephews, Randy Welch and wife, Kathy of Salisbury, NC; Scott Welch of Weaverville, NC; and niece, Lisa Watson and husband, Dennis of Concord. There will be a private celebration of life, Saturday, November 19, 2016 at Moody Funeral Home in Mt. Airy, NC with Rev. Tim Wolfe officiating. Full military honors will be conducted by the VFW Honor Guard Mt. Airy Post 2019 and Pilot Mountain Post 9436. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Wounded Warriors Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Online condolences may be made at www.moodyfuneralservices.com.