Ray was born in Amarillo, Texas on August 28, 1941.  He and his family relocated to Santa Maria in 1949 where he lived the rest of his life.  He attended local elementary schools, graduated from Santa Maria High School in 1959 and attended Alan Hancock College.  He retired from General Telephone Company after 33 years.  Ray was an avid sports fan as well as participant. He lettered in baseball, football, swimming and diving. After high school he formed, coached and played for the fast pitch softball team the Santa Maria Kings. The Kings were loved by their fans and hated by their opponents because the Kings did not know how to lose. His true hobby was the restoration of classic cars. His 1949-52 Oldsmobiles were known throughout Santa Maria as well as nationally. One of his cars was featured in three national classic car calendars, chosen from thousands of submissions from across the United States. They were his pride and joy. Ray was considered by many as a Bar-B-Q master and was well known for his Bar-B-Q sauce. "Uncle Ray's Secret Sauce" was coveted by all of his friends and relatives.  A national brand offered to purchase the recipe but it was guarded by Ray and never sold. It was his "secret." Ray was also known for his generosity in helping other people. He had many talents and was willing to share them, not only with his family and friends, but their families and friends. He loved to help people and never asked to be paid. Ray's family heard constantly of his generosity from complete strangers. These strangers eventually would refer to Ray as being their "brother" or "uncle."

 Ray was preceded in death by his mother Trellis Arellanes, step dad Andy Arellanes, father Leon Baker, brother Charles Baker of Livermore and sister Jane Grigg of Santa Maria. He is survived by his wife of 30 years, Sharon, sisters Francis Harding of Santa Maria and Linda (Terry) Mecham of Napa, brothers Sam (Mona) Baker and Bob (Mary) Obrien of Santa Maria; daughters Sally and Terri Baker, Robyn (Allen) Granski, and son Raymond (Beau) (Judy) Baker of Atascadero; mother in law Dolly Kostecky, brother in laws Steve Kostecky of Rancho Cucamonga and Ervin Grigg of Santa Maria, sister in law Hazel Baker of Livermore. Ray has nine grandchildren Kacie, Shea, Marc, Caleb, Ian, Hayden, Beau, Emily & Will. Thirteen nephews and nieces, as well as those throughout the Santa Maria Valley that endearingly referred to him as "brother and uncle." There are so many people that Ray cared for and that cared for him, that we are unable to list you all. But know he loved each of you. He will be greatly missed but we know he will always be with us!