Harry Morgan Baxter, Jr.

After a brief illness, Harry Morgan Baxter, Jr. of Stone Mountain, Georgia, died peacefully on February 16, 2021 at the age of 98. He was born on October 27, 1922 in Vinegar Bend, Alabama to Harry Morgan Baxter, Sr. and Anna Laura Cox. He was preceded in death by his wife Anna Margaret Lominick, his sister LaMonde Baxter Douglas, and brother Paschal Harvey Baxter. He is survived by his two daughters Amy Baxter Carpenter (Walter) of Atlanta; Cindy Baxter Nelson (Steven) of Stone Mountain; four grandchildren, Major Curtis Nelson (Courtney) of Alexandria, VA; Connor Nelson (Amanda) of Clayton, NC; Alan Carpenter (Claire) of Atlanta; Anna Laura Nelson of Leadville, CO; and five great-grandchildren, Hannah and Eleanor Nelson; Gemma, Juniper, and Wren Nelson. He is also survived by a sister Anne M. Baxter Hudson (John) of Georgetown, SC and a brother Maxcy G. Baxter (Joyce) of Walterboro, SC.

Harry’s mother’s death occurred during his early years and, as a result, he was placed in the care of various aunts and uncles in multiple locations throughout Alabama, Florida and South Carolina. He recalls attending five different schools in three states in one year! When Harry’s father married Addie Godfrey of Holly Hill, SC, Harry experienced a more stable life. He recalls having a paper route at age 12 and working as a “soda Jerk” at 13. Harry Baxter, Sr. finally moved his family to Georgetown, SC where Harry attended and graduated from Winyah High School in 1942 and served as president of his senior class.

One of Harry’s greatest achievements was his service to his country. After graduation from high school, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy in August of 1942 and attained the rank of Aviation Machinist’s Mate First Class. He served in the Pacific Theater as a ball turret gunner on a TBF Avenger in Torpedo Squadron Eight which was reformed after the Battle of Midway and was attached to the U.S.S. Bunker Hill aircraft carrier. Harry did not speak of the war years until his 80s and, when asked about his service, he said that he just “showed up for work” every day. That service led to his receipt of the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with Five Gold Stars. While on leave in the summer of 1945, Harry met the love of his life, Anna Margaret Lominick, at a dance at the Pavilion on Pawley’s Island, SC. It was love at first sight. They married in June of 1948 in Pomaria, SC.

After WWII, Harry attended Wofford College in Spartanburg, S.C. and then transferred to the University of South Carolina in Columbia, SC. He graduated with a BS degree in 1949. That same year Harry was hired by Exxon (formerly Esso) and worked in various capacities in engineering and maintenance for 37 years, retiring in 1986. His beloved wife Anna Margaret died in 1990 after a three-year battle with cancer. In spite of her loss, Harry became an avid traveler with a special love of cruises.

Harry was a member of The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 731 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30308 where memorials can be made in lieu of flowers. A graveside service is planned later this year in Pomaria, SC where he will be buried next to Anna Margaret.