'Walking Tall' star Joe Don Baker dies at 89

GROESBECK, Texas (KWKT) – Actor Joe Don Baker has died at age 89.

Baker, originally from Groesbeck, Texas, died on May 7, according to his obituary, which did not specify a cause of death.

Born on February 12, 1936, Baker attended Groesbeck High School, where he played both football and basketball. Baker's athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to North Texas State College where he joined the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and studied business administration. He went on to graduate in 1958.

The school, now named University of North Texas, recognized Baker in 1994 with a Distinguished Alumni award.

Baker served in the U.S. Army for two years before moving to New York City, where he pursued a career in acting. He gained valuable experience working in the city's theater scene, and became a lifetime member of the Actors Studio.

It was after a move out west to Los Angeles that Baker's acting career gained momentum, according to the obituary, with small television parts leading to starring roles.

Baker, who performed in 57 movies, is well known for his roles in "Walking Tall," "Mitchell" and more. He also landed co-starring roles and supporting parts in other mayor projects, including "Charlie Varrick" and three James Bond films.

According to Baker's IMDb page, in 2014 he won the Robert Altman Award for his role in "Mud." He was also nominated for a Golden Satellite Award for his work on the miniseries "George Wallace."

His television appearances include a starring role in the popular series "Eischied," and a performance on the acclaimed British television production of "Edge of Darkness" that earned him a Best Actor nomination from the British Academy of Television.

The obit says that Baker did not have any children during an 11-year marriage, and is survived "by relations in his native Groesbeck, who will forever cherish his memory. He is mourned by a small but very close circle of friends who will miss him eternally."

A funeral is scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 20 at Utter McKinley Mortuary in Mission Hills, California at 10 a.m. The obituary reads: "Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories, celebrating the extraordinary life he led."

If you would like to plant trees Baker's memory, you can go here.