Obituary: Harry Baer

Harry Baer, 94, of Dunwoody, Ga., passed away peacefully on March 21, 2026. He was a beloved husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend. Born in Memphis to William and Zelda Baer, he grew up in an Orthodox, kosher home that included older sister, Bertha, and younger sister, Maxine.

After three years of college, he went to medical school at the University of Tennessee, Memphis, and then spent his internship year training as an obstetrician and gynecologist in Dallas and then did his residency back in Memphis. He met the love of his life, Bettye Fisher, at the wedding of mutual friends, and began an almost 72-year marriage during which he and Bettye were completely dedicated to each other.

He began his medical career serving for two years in the Air Force, including a stint in Alaska. He then entered private practice in Tullahoma, Tenn., but after three years decided to start over in Nashville so that his three children could have a more complete and fulfilling Jewish life.

Harry’s life was focused completely on his patients – who loved him dearly – and his family. Not only did he take care of Bettye and his kids, but also his two sisters in Memphis. But he did find time for his weekly poker game with his friends and his Thursday and Saturday evening glasses of scotch.

Raising two daughters and a son at a time before women were truly considered equal, he gave his daughters the same opportunities he afforded his son. He was a proud father who offered sage, thoughtful advice. As much as he delighted in his kids, that emotion was intensified in his grandkids. He would carry each of them around as they pointed a direction, and he would sit down on the floor and play with them for hours. And as they got older, he was there to offer them encouragement, support, and unwavering love.

His retirement from his medical practice enabled him and Bettye to move to Atlanta in 1999 so that they could enjoy their grandkids and actively participate in their lives. Being together for the Jewish holidays was of utmost importance to him. In addition, he and Bettye volunteered with B’nai B’rith, making friends that way. He volunteered at election times as a poll worker and eventually became the captain at his assigned voting place. He thoroughly enjoyed going to Falcons games with his sons-in-law and grandson. And he attended minyan at B’nai Torah as many mornings or evenings as he could.

His last few years were difficult, due to physical and health issues. However, he remained kind and thoughtful and was more concerned about Bettye than he was about himself. His family is so grateful for having had him in their lives for as long as they did.

Harry is survived by his beloved wife of almost 72 years, Bettye; his children, Sherie (Arthur) Gumer, Karen (Michael) Himmelstein, and Jerome (Bonnie) Baer; his grandchildren, Tracy (Marc) Hennes, Jason (Lindsey) Gumer, Laura (Shaun) Hoffman, Arielle Gumer (Max Delahanty), Allison Baer and Jamie Baer; and his nine great-grandchildren, Julian and Amelia Gumer, Emily and Drew Hennes, Dafna, Atara and Yarden Hoffman, and Havi and Benni Delahanty.

A graveside service was held on Tuesday, March 24, at the West End Synagogue Cemetery in Nashville, Tenn.

The family requests that donations in Harry’s memory be made to Congregation B’nai Torah (Atlanta), Temple Emanu-El (Atlanta), or West End Synagogue (Nashville).