Tree Trimmer Ray Baker has recently celebrated 20 years with the GUC family. What some may not know is that before coming to GUC, Ray built boats. "I started working on fiberglass boats when I was 13 years old, and began work in the factory when I turned 18," he said.

Ray worked hard to obtain a job here at GUC. "I started applying with GUC in 1982," he said. "I finally landed a job here in 1996 and have really enjoyed it." Ray started out in Load Management before transferring to the Line Clearing Section of the Electric Department. When asked what keeps him coming back, Ray says that he is more of an outdoorsman and appreciates being outside.

As part of a Line Clearing Crew, Ray focuses on keeping trees and vegetation away from our power lines and rights-of-way and well maintained to help prevent outages. Tree trimmers are careful about how they do their jobs based on how close they are to power lines and what species of tree they're working on. These crews work our service area on a three-year cycle. They are currently clearing trees where new poles and power lines are going to be placed for the new bypass in Greenville.

In his spare time, Ray enjoys being with his family. Ray was born and raised here in Greenville, and his wife, Sarah, is originally from Michigan and grew up in a military family. They met in the convenience store where Sarah worked, and Ray had no problem starting up a conversation. They have been together ever since and have three children ranging from ages 11 to 27, and two grandsons — one born on April 5th. Having them all living in Greenville and right down the street makes it easy for them to spend time together.

In addition to time with family, Ray also loves fishing and hunting. "I enjoy hunting anything that's edible," Ray joked. "I hunt bear, turkey, squirrel, rabbit, and duck." While he enjoys duck hunting locally in Washington, he also travels to the Montebello area in Virginia for deer. "Turkey season is coming in too," he said. "I wouldn't mind getting out with a cross bow soon."

Other than going to the beach occasionally with the family, Ray enjoys working odd jobs on the side doing yard work and landscaping for people. His wife enjoys making vinyl decals for cars in her spare time.

Whether he is in a GUC hard hat or in camouflage, Ray is determined. And we enjoy his enthusiasm and hard work!

Ray Baker Favorites

Favorite Music: Country and Bluegrass

Favorite Movie: Any Clint Eastwood movie

Favorite Sports Team: Duke basketball

Ray with his wife and son. Ray and his son. Ray's family with oldest grandson. Ray's family with youngest grandson.