CBS via Getty Joe Don Baker, who appeared in three James Bond movies and films likeThe NaturalandCape Fear, died at 89 on Wednesday, May 7 Baker's family announced his death in an obituary published on Tuesday, May 13; he was married for 11 years and had no children The actor "is mourned by a small but very close circle of friends who will miss him eternally," his obituary reads Joe Don Baker, a Hollywood actor whose career spanned nearly five decades on the screen, has died. He was 89. Baker's family announced his death in an obituary published onLegacy.comon Tuesday, May 13; Baker died on Wednesday, May 7, according to the obituary. A cause of death was not immediately provided. "Joe Don was a beacon of kindness and generosity," one section of his obituary reads. "His intellectual curiosity made him a voracious reader, inspiring a great love of nature and animals, particularly cats. Throughout his life, Joe Don touched many lives with his warmth and compassion, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know him." Courtesy Everett Collection Baker was born on Feb. 12, 1936, and grew up in Texas. He graduated from North Texas State College in 1958 after receiving an athletic scholarship. After college, Baker served in the U.S. Army for two years and then moved to New York City, where he studied acting at the famed Actor's Studio and began performing on the stage, according to his obituary. Baker's onscreen career began in 1965, when he appeared on one episode of the television seriesHoney West; he first made an appearance in a feature film in 1967's classicCool Hand Luke. Throughout his career, Baker notably appeared in three differentJames Bondmovies — as a villain in 1987'sThe Living Daylights, opposite Timothy Dalton's Bond, and a CIA spy in 1995'sGoldenEyeand 1997'sTomorrow Never Dies, withPierce Brosnan's 007 — in addition to movies likeThe Natural,Walking Tailand Martin Scorsese'sCape Fear. Never miss a story — sign up forPEOPLE's free daily newsletterto stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "As we say goodbye to Joe Don, we hold onto the memories and the love he shared with us," his obituary reads. "Though he may no longer be with us in body, his spirit will always remain, a guiding light in the lives he touched. Rest in peace, Joe Don. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten." Baker had not acted for the screen since he appeared inMatthew McConaughey's 2012 movieMud.During his career, he received one nomination at theBAFTA Awardsin 1986 for his work in the miniseriesEdge of Darkness. Keith Hamshere/Getty According to Baker's obituary, he was married for 11 years and does not have any children. His funeral service will be held in Mission Hills, Calif., on Tuesday, May 20, at 10 a.m. local time. "He is survived by relations in his native Groesbeck, who will forever cherish his memory," Baker's obituary reads. "He is mourned by a small but very close circle of friends who will miss him eternally." Read the original article onPeople
