An Atlanta native, Baxter recently retired after 28 years serving as Minister of Pastoral Care and Community Relations at First Baptist Church, Greenville, South Carolina. He is a 1974 graduate of Wofford College, and also received a Master of Divinity degree from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, a Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling from Wake Forest University, and a Doctor of Ministry degree from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Philadelphia.

Baxter is a recipient of the Urban League's Humanitarian Award and the Calder Ehrmann Diversity Leadership Award. He has also been active in the United Way of Greenville County, previously serving as Campaign Chairman and Board Chairman. Baxter has served in leadership positions on various other boards, including, the Community Foundation of Greater Greenville, Hospice House of Greenville, Urban League of the Upstate, and Greenville Forward. He currently serves as a volunteer at United Ministries.

Baxter and his wife, Paula, have two sons and daughters-in-law, and four grandsons.