Roy is survived by his sister Betty Sue Gresek, his wife of 44 years Doris Barker, his son Jimmy Barker, his daughters Pam Reese, Patty Parker, and Debbie Sallas, 9 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren.
Roy was preceded in death by his mother Annie Armstrong, his Father Frank Barker, his brothers Horace, Hubert, Owen, Paul, Ray and Carl, his sisters Annie and Elsie, his first wife Lorene, his daughter Sandy Traylor and his grandson Taylor Parker.
Roy began working on the family farm from a very early age and left school in the eighth grade to work full time.
Roy served in the Merchant Marines and went to work for Rylander / Tom Thumb grocery store in the produce department. Roy was promoted to and ultimately retired as the produce manager after 50 years.
Roy was a self-taught musician and loved to share his talent with those who lived in nursing homes. Roy would average playing at more than 200 nursing homes per year. He began this labor of love by going to the home where his mother lived and playing for her, He began volunteering at homes all over the north east Austin community.
Roy loved the outdoors and would hike and bike in the neighborhood. He loved taking his family to Garner State Park in the summer and the trip became a family tradition. Roy was a servant in the true sense of the word. He often helped neighbors by mowing grass, raking leaves and many other things they could not do for themselves.
Roy loved to watch football and was a huge Texas Longhorn and Dallas Cowboy fan. He loved playing his guitar, harmonica, and tambourine. He truly cherished the time with his family and he will be greatly missed.
Services will be held at Cook-Walden Chapel of the Hills located at 9700 Anderson Mill Road in Austin TX, on Friday December 28, at 10 am. Graveside services will be held at Cook-Walden Capital Parks Cemetery located at 14501 North I-35 in Plugerville TX on Friday December 28, at 12:30 pm.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left at www.cookwaldenchapelofthehills.com for the Barker family.
