After years of courageously facing mental health challenges, Sam Baker, deeply beloved son and brother, passed from this life on August 22, 2025.

Sam was born on September 18, 1996, in Fayetteville, Arkansas, and started school there before moving to Stillwater, Oklahoma, and, eventually Starkville, Mississippi. He attended Stillwater High School and graduated from Starkville High School.

Anyone who knew Sam knew that his smile could light up a room. His big heart held love for anyone who spoke a kind word to him, and he never met a roller coaster he didn’t like. He loved his family, his friends, and his dogs and cats, in his words “more than the universe can reach.” Sam was a dedicated dog parent to Chewie, Han, Tank, and BB-8, who he adored with all his heart, along with his cat, Luke. Sam was also active in fostering mama cats and kittens for the humane society.

Sam is survived by his mother, Leslie Baker of Starkville; father and stepmother, Michael and Mary Bracy (Tampa, FL); younger brother, Ethan Bracy (Tampa, FL); older brother and sister-in-law, Adam and Brianna Bracy (Riverview, FL); grandparents, Bob and Beth Bracy (Rogers, AR); great-grandmother, Irene Gill (Indianapolis, IN); and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A celebration of Sam’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, August 29, 2025, at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Starkville. A visitation with the family will begin at 10:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Humane Society of Oktibbeha County, 510 Industrial Park Road, Starkville, MS 39759.

If you or a loved one is struggling, help is available. Reach out to a mental health professional or call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988). You are loved, and you are never alone.

You can leave the family a condolence at: www.welchfuneralhomes.com.