Lance O'Neil Baker

Mr. Lance O’Neil Baker peacefully departed this life on Saturday, July 19, 2025, in Ruckersville, Virginia. He was born on February 13, 1979, to Pernell and Alison Baker.

Lance was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Lindsay “Jr.” and Jean Baker. He attended William Monroe High School in Greene County, Virginia, and was a member of Chestnut Grove Baptist Church in Barboursville, where he first began to walk in his faith.

After high school, Lance attended Radford University, where he earned his college degree and became a proud member of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. After graduation, he moved to Chesterfield, Virginia, and married his high school sweetheart. Lance began his career as a teacher at Manchester High School in Richmond, Virginia, where he had a deep love for education and mentoring young minds. Early in his marriage, Lance and a group of friends set out for a night of camping—an outing that would change the course of his life. A devastating accident resulted in a spinal injury that left him paralyzed. With courage and grace, Lance embraced life with resilience, humor, and quiet strength. His journey inspired many, and his presence remained a source of encouragement and love for all who knew him.

Lance was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal great-grandparents, his maternal great-grandmother, one uncle, and two cousins.

He leaves to cherish his memory, his parents: Pernell Baker Sr. (Ambrosia) and Alison Baker. His brothers: Larry Baker, Lionel Baker, Pernell Baker Jr., and Lucas Bright. His sisters: Latrice Baker, Lanishia Baker, Lexus Baker, and Laquin Bright. His grandparents: Lindsay “Jr.” Baker and Jean Baker. His former wife: Sarah Dingledine. Four aunts, seven uncles, seven nieces, six nephews, and one great-niece. His devoted friend: Justin Todley. And a host of extended family, fraternity brothers, and friends.

Lance’s life was marked by quiet strength, deep compassion, and unshakable faith. Though his path was not easy, his heart remained full, and his impact enduring. He will be remembered as a son, brother, friend, and overcomer whose life testified to the power of perseverance and the goodness of God.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at Bethany Baptist Church, 16034 Spotswood Trail, Ruckersville, VA, from 11:00 to 11:30 am. The funeral service will begin promptly at 11:30 a.m.

Arrangements are entrusted to Batten Funeral Home of Ruckersville, Virginia.

An online guestbook is available at www.battenfuneral.com for those wishing to share memories or offer condolences. Your kind words will bring comfort and strength to the family during this time.