Philip Anthony Baca "Felipe Antonio"

Philip Anthony Baca, also known as Felipe Antonio, left this world on August 9, 2024, at the age of 36, leaving behind countless family members and friends who cared for him deeply. Philip was born on October 29, 1987, in Victorville, California, at the George Air Force Base hospital to Anna English and David Baca. Felipe was a bright light, basking his loved ones in kindness, generosity, and friendship. His smile and laughter filled the room, wrapping his loved ones like a perfect hug. 

Musically gifted, he never turned down an opportunity to belt his favorite Mariah Carey songs or express his creativity as a violinist. Early on in his musical career, he played with the Arkansas Youth Symphony Orchestra. Philip also played for a season with the Pine Bluff Symphony. Singing brought him so much joy, it was palpable to anyone lucky enough to hear his angelic voice.

Philip was a friend of Bill W., and his beautiful spirit earned him a tribe of friends who trudged the road of happy destiny together. He had a great love for cats. In addition to being a long-time employee and manager of the Japanese Restaurant Kemuri in Little Rock, he also played a key role in establishing the restaurant during its early days.

Philip was known for his hard-working and caring nature. This was evident when after he lost his home twice within 64 days to a tornado and a fire, he remarked, “If you’re having a great day, try to share that with someone else because the person standing next to you might be smiling through tears.”

Philip was preceded in death by his grandparents, Doneta and Tito Felipe Baca and Thelma Newman. He is survived by his mother, Anna English; his father, David Baca (Terri); his sister and best friend, Mary Mesquit; his uncles, Philip Baca (Connie), Anthony Baca (Sandie) and Michael English; his aunts, Theresa Williams (Jim), Tina Rohrer, and Barbara English; as well as his cousins, Adrianne Baca, Adam Baca, Alex Baca, April Clark (Derek), Corey Detar, Michelle English, Angie English, Sean Vymislicky (Caryn), Chrissy Snyder (Brad), Nathan Mayle, and Levi Butters (Maria).

A visitation will be held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, August 21, 2024 at Smith Little Rock Funeral Home, 8801 Knoedl Ct. Little Rock, AR 72205, with a Celebration of his Life at 3:00 pm and then a reception to follow. Please join his family to honor his vibrant, impactful life.