William "Baker" Vaughn, 65, of Maryville, Tennessee, passed away on July 22, 2026 at U.T. Hospital with his wife by his side.

Baker was born in Alabama, the son of Betty Baker Vaughn and William "Bill" Vaughn. He graduated from Greeneville High School and later attended East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, where he studied Music Theory and Composition.

Music was Baker's lifelong passion. After spending years performing and traveling as both a musician and sound man, he decided to step away from life on the road and began working at a recording studio, where he met his wife of 30 years. That experience inspired him to pursue his dream of owning his own business, and together they founded Digital Express Mastering in Maryville, Tennessee. For 26 years, he proudly provided professional audio mastering and duplication services to countless musicians, businesses and recording artists, earning the respect and friendship of many throughout the music community.

He loved to read and would constantly learn new techniques on his guitar.

Above all else, Baker was a loving and devoted husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend who loved his family deeply. He was known for his quick wit, story telling, generous spirit, and willingness to help others. His humor and dedication to those he loved will be remembered always and greatly missed by his family and friends.

Baker is survived by his beloved wife, Sherri Vaughn; his father, William "Bill" Vaughn; his aunt, Phyllis Vaughn Duncan of Oneida, Tennessee; his cousins, Bill Duncan of Oneida, Jane Duncan Lloyd of Oneida, Janice Gipson Brodin of Winchester, Tennessee, Rhonda Gipson Dugas of Winchester, Tennessee, and Troy Gipson of Winchester, Tennessee; and many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Betty Baker Vaughn; his brother, David Vaughn; his grandparents, James W. "Jaime" Baker and Viola Toomey Baker, and Albert "Shorty" Vaughn and Estella (Coffey) Vaughn; as well as several beloved aunts and uncles, including James Toomey Baker, Irene Baker, Helen Gipson, Claude Gipson, and Herbert Duncan.

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Family will receive friends from 1:00 until 3:00 PM, Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Grandview Pavilion. Funeral service will be at 3:00 PM. Family and friends will assemble for entombment at 12:00 Noon, Saturday, August 1, 2026 at Grandview Mausoleum. Condolences may be shared at Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com.