NCHA Non-Pro Hall of Fame member Billy Baker of Hernando, MS, passed away on Thursday, March 6, following a long battle with cancer.

Baker joined NCHA in 1966. Although he was a non-pro competitor, he placed sixth in the 1980 NCHA Open Futurity on Sport Model James and was an NCHA Non-Pro World Top Ten finalist in 1980 and 1981. In addition to showing cutting horses, he also judged many major cutting events, including the 1979, 1983 and 1989 NCHA Futurity. He also served as a judge’s monitor, an NCHA Executive Committee member, and an NCHA director.

Visitation is scheduled for Saturday evening, March 8, from 5-7; the funeral is at 2:00 pm Sunday, March 9, at the Christ Community Church in Hernando, MS, 662-429-6036.