Cyrus McNeill Baker, Jr., 79, passed away on October 30, 2025, in St Johns, FL. Neill was born on January 9, 1946, to Cyrus and Dorothy Baker in Woodbine, GA. He grew up in Colesburg, GA, before moving to Jacksonville to attend high school, where he graduated from The Bolles School. He played football, including both offense and defense, and loved the sport throughout his life. Neill attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and graduated with a degree in Economics. He attended the University of Florida graduate program in finance and accounting.
Neill is survived by his wife of 56 years, Francine Baker, their two daughters, Amanda Stoen (Chris) and Tracy Williams (David), five grandchildren, Ben Stoen, Cannon Stoen, Isla Williams, Cassidy Williams, and Joe Williams, and cousins Lindsay Grainger (Keri), Frankie, and Georgie. He will also be missed by his extended family and friends.
He worked in the trust investments area of banking throughout his career, beginning in
Charlotte, NC, then in Atlanta, GA, and finally in Jacksonville. He enjoyed being able to help his clients create and maintain financial stability.
Neill served on the board of Lutheran Social Services of Northeast Florida, including serving as president, and served on several national financial boards. He also volunteered with MenInAc and Habitat for Humanity and was a regular blood donor for over 30 years. Neill served as his class representative at Bolles and had regular get-togethers with his classmates.
Neill and his family were active in Scottish Highland Games throughout the southeastern US. He was the inaugural President of the Northeast Florida Highland Games when the Games were relaunched in 1995. Neill had great vision to grow the Games and welcomed all who wanted to be a part of them. He served as President of the Clan MacNeil Association of America, where he was an active member for many years. He was active in the St. Andrews Society in Atlanta and Jacksonville.
Visitation will be held at 10:00 am on November 6, 2025, followed by his funeral at 11:00 am at St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. A reception will follow at the church. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Evergreen Funeral Home – (904) 353-3649.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Neill’s memory to Lutheran
Social Services of Northeast Florida (4615 Phillips Hwy.), St. Mark’s Lutheran Church (3976 Hendricks Ave.) or The Bolles School (7400 San Jose Blvd.).
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