My name is Paul Baker and I grew up in McDowell County. I spent many of my formative years on my grandparent’s farm. Animals and hard work were the course of the day. I still enjoy raising cattle.

At age 13, I went to work after school and on Saturday for Youngs Esso (Jim and Bobbie Young) until my senior year at Marion High School. That year I worked at the Etta Box Factory, second shift.

On May 20, 1970, I joined the US Army Reserves, graduated high school May 28th, and went to Fort Polk Louisiana on October 7th. Six years later I finished my hitch as E7 Sergeant First Class Drill Instructor.
In 1973, I married my best friend, Frances who would become Mom to our sons and later my business partner.

After active duty, I joined my father and brother in business at Baker’s Automotive and bought them out in 1981. We acquired City Tire in 2011, now Baker’s City Tire. Our sons now own the businesses. Ivan and his wife Crystal at Baker’s Automotive on Sugar Hill Road and Nathan and his wife, Autumn at Baker’s City Tire on East Court Street. We have 4 grandsons: Ian, Morgan, Blade, and Cass.
McDowell Residents have been so good to us for over 50 years now.

I thank God for the opportunity to serve on the McDowell County School Board. My goal, as God leads, is to support our Superintendent, Principals, Teachers, staff and to join the other members in striving to see that all children get the best educational opportunities possible.