Nose

February 26, 2006 at 8:18 pm | Posted in Friends | Leave a comment

Men don’t have “Best Friends”.  But Jerry Baker did.  His name was Raymond Martin, but everyone called him ““Nose””.  And ““Nose”” nicknamed Jerry  “Shake ‘n Bake”.  ““Nose”” had a nickname for everyone.  In fact, you weren’t sure he really liked you until he nicknamed you.

“Nose” was much more than a friend to Jerry.  He was more like a brother.  They were never afraid to say “I love you” to each other.  They talked every day on the phone and usually saw each other.  “Nose” helped Jerry during a time in his life when no one else would.  He gave him a job, loaned him money with no promise of repayment, and he believed in him.  Jerry always said, “If I bought ““Nose”” a drink every day of my life, I could never repay him for all he did for me.”

Saturday morning February 19, 2006, ““Nose”” left.  Jerry tried to call.  No answer.  ““Nose”” was found dead of a tragic accident in his own home.  The last phone call Jerry had from “Nose” was a few hours before about their mutual hero Ryan Palmer playing golf on the PGA Tour.

Jerry has been so sad.  He and friend Billy Bob and ““Nose”” were like 3 peas in a pod.  Any time Jerry could play golf with those two was a great day.  “Nose” loved golf, but he was probably one of the worst golfers to ever tee it up.  He had golf lessons from at least twenty instructors, and he broke them all down and made them whimper.  They would work with him all week long, analyzing his swing, his stance, his follow-through.  Then on Saturday he would tee it up and hit it just like he always had.  Playing golf with “Nose” was the most fun they ever had.  Golf is never going to be the same without The “Nose”.  Jerry will never be the same.

But as time goes by, he will be comforted by so many great memories of good times:

The “Nose” Classic Golf Tournament began in 1987 with a friendly game of golf between the Dodge boys and the Chevrolet boys.  Five men on each team.  “Nose”’s team won, because they were the last ones to finish. The other team had gone home.  The next year it was a champagne brunch followed by golf with more friends. 

Since then the “Nose” Classic Golf Tournament has evolved into an annual event.  From that small beginning with two teams of 5 guys playing each other, the tournament has included as many as 150 golfers.  Former participants include Chad Campbell, Ryan Palmer, Judd Burkett and Tye Cox.  “Nose” liked to say “the “Nose” Classic is a stepping stone to the PGA”.  The tournament is held on the first Sunday in October and this year will be the 19th Annual “Nose” Classic Golf Tournament. 

“Nose” loved the pink golf shirts with the little navy blue sailboats.   Sharon Kay bought one for Jerry.  Then Billy Bob & “Nose” wanted one, so she got them each one.  The idea was the three would only wear them when they played in golf tournaments together.  However, “Nose” liked his so much, he would wear it at other times.

“Nose” is gone from this world, but he has left so many wonderful memories. We will always remember his two favorite sayings, which seem to address all possible life situations:

“It either will or it won’t”

“If you can’t help it, it’s okay”

He wasn’t handsome or wealthy, but he was rich in friends.  The church was filled to overflowing….people from all walks of life and from miles away.  When someone asked “who all has been nicknamed by “Nose”?    A multitude proudly stood up.  We laughed at the stories.  We were only sad because we knew there would be no more.  But as they say: “tis better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all”. That’s how we all feel about “Nose”.  We loved him and we’re glad he was a part of our life.  We will miss him as long as we can remember him.