Joseph Lewis Baier, Jr.

Joseph Lewis Baier, Jr., 78, went home to be with the Lord on May 2, 2022, after a courageous battle with heart disease. He was born on September 6, 1943 in Meridian, Mississippi. While he was a successful businessman, an accomplished pilot, a veteran, and a devoted family man, his passion was establishing the Mroz-baier Breast Care Clinic in 1994. A native of Meridian, MS, Joe graduated Meridian High School where he played football and was an Eagle Scout. He earned a B.S. degree in business from the University of Mississippi. He had two wonderful women in his life—his first wife and mother of his children, Julie Antionette Bourgeois of Abbeville, LA, who died of breast cancer at age 47, and Dr. Christine Mroz Baier of Eden, NY, a breast physician and surgeon in Memphis. They were both his best friends and both beloved. At their clinic, Joe and Christine have worked to treat thousands of women with breast disease and cancer during their 28year marriage. Joe owned and managed the clinic, allowing Christine time to devote to her patients. Joe was instrumental in supporting the “Race for the Cure” and the “Pink Ribbon Open Golf Tournament,” both non-profit organizations which raised funds for Breast Care Awareness and treatment for those in need. Joe loved golf, hunting, the water, boats, swimming and his second home on Ono, Island, AL. Flying was his favorite avocation. He earned more than 7,000 flight hours, starting with his volunteer efforts with the Civil Air Patrol on search and rescue missions. He had ownership shares in 22 airplanes. The oldest of four children, Joe is survived by his brother, Michael M. Baier of Metairie, LA, and his two sisters, Katherine Baier Nelson of Memphis, and Helen Baier Quarles of Birmingham, AL. Their deceased parents were Joseph L. Baier, Sr. and Jerry Moore Baier of Meridian, MS. Joe’s three children are Allison Baier Totaro of New Canaan, CT, Anna Katherine Baier Ray of Mobile, AL, and Joey Baier of Senatobia. He was very proud of his four grandchildren, John and Amelia Totaro, and Lewis and Julie Ray of Mobile, AL, and his son-in-law, Doug Ray. Joe was a man of faith. A funeral mass celebrating his life will be held at St. Peter Catholic Church at 2 pm on Monday, May 9, 2022. Visitation will begin at 1:00 pm in the Parish Hall at the church. A graveside service will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery in Memphis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Peter Church, 190 Adams, Memphis, TN 38103, or the charity of your choice.