2014
Donald Ray Baker
North Carolina
Donald Ray Baker (1944-2012) was born in Rose Hill, North Carolina. In 1962, Donald left rural Teachy, NC to attend Durham Institute of Barbering in Durham, NC. He graduated in 1962 and then served an 18-month apprentice ship at City Barber Shop in Rose Hill. He received his license in December 1964.
In 1973, he opened his own shop, El Don’s Hair Styling in Wallace, NC, which is still open and managed by his daughter, Dondrea, also a registered barber. His shop was the first full-service hair care and replacement establishment in eastern North Carolina. His son, Donald R. Baker, II, also a registered barber, now manages the East Carolina Hair Replacement in Greenville, NC.
Donald Baker served on the North Carolina State Board of Barber Examiners for 11 years with seven of those years as chairman. He worked tirelessly to improve the barbering profession in North Carolina as well as nationally during his long and active membership and tenure as president of the National Association of Barber Boards of America. He championed many comprehensive statutes, administrative rules and board policies to ensure comprehensive and fair application, training, testing, licensing and disciplinary processes for all aspiring barbers and registrants of the Board.