Richard Barker, Sr.

On Sunday, May 1st, 2022, Richard David Barker was called home at the age of 80. The world has lost a great man, husband, father, and leader.

Richard Barker was born in Jacksonville, Florida on October 22, 1941, to Maria Marr and Luther Leo Barker. Honorably discharged in his early 20’s, as a Corporal in the United States Marine Corp. He received numerous metals while excelling in sharp shooting. Always a man seeking to master new endeavors, Richard took up weightlifting and won the 3rd strongest man in the state of Florida competition in the 1970’s while also learning to play the piano, and moonlighting at Ryder truck lines to support his family.

Richard rarely met a stranger and always greeted them with his unique anecdotes on life, such as; “If you need me I’ll call you; I’m like a turtle crossing the road…I ain’t got hit yet” and my favorite; “can I borrow some money”. (jokingly)

He relocated to Clyde, N.C., with the Western and Southern Life Insurance CO. from which he retired after 35 years of dedicated service as a recognized and distinguished top selling agent.

After retirement, Richard began working at Ghost Town, where he was entrusted with the running of rides and games, while maintaining his passion in woodworking in his shop and learning to play the dulcimer. If asked, Richard would have said his greatest accomplishment was that he “took good care of mama”. As assuredly he did.

Richard married and is survived by his beloved wife, Carol Lee Tucker of 57 years on May 7, 1966, producing one son; Richard David Barker, Jr. She calls her husband, “The love of my life”.

Richard is survived by his devoted children, Marilyn Ann Krishnan (Arun) of Apex, NC, Madison David Jones of Geneva, FL, Sandra Kay Renfroe (Jimmy) of Waynesville, NC, Cindy Renee Chambers (Wes) of Jacksonville, FL and Ricky David Barker, Jr. of Walkersville, MD. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Nicholas Zeeshan Arif, Patrick Shafique Khattak, Michael Farid Khattak, Madison David Jones, Tiffany Ann Jones, Mallory Leigh Khattak, Christina Leigh Jones, Wesley Eugene Chambers, as well as, fifteen great-grandchildren

We miss you and love you and will see you again in the Lord’s kingdom.

Military Honors was conducted by the United States Marine Corp.

The care of Mr. Barker has been entrusted to Wells Funeral Homes of Canton and an online memorial register is available at “Obituaries” at www.wellsfuneralhome.com