Earl Middleton Barker Jr.

May 19, 1944 - January 9, 2022

Earl was born in Riverside Hospital, Jacksonville, to Mildred Jordan and Earl M. Barker, Sr.

He was a lifelong resident of the Jacksonville area with the exceptions of his studies at the University of

Florida and active-duty service in the U S Navy as a JAG officer. He retired from the Naval Reserve in

1992 as a Captain.

A Business and Corporate litigator, Earl practiced law in his namesake firm in Ponte Vedra for the past

three years. Previously he was Managing Partner with both Slott, Barker and Nussbaum, and with

Marks, Gray, Conroy and Gibbs in Jacksonville. He also served as Prosecutor with the States Attorney’s

Office under Ed Austin.

Service was Earl’s “love language” -- to his God, family, friends, clients and community.

A 31-year member of Christ Episcopal Church, he served as a Eucharistic Minister and their lay leader, an

Education for Ministry student and then mentor for 10 years, adult formation instructor, 25-year choir

member, chair of the Christian Formation Task Force, and Rector of Men’s Cursillo #86.

He was an Eagle Scout and served as Scout Master of Troup #382 guiding dozens of boys including his

two sons in qualities to make them good citizens and experienced leaders. In the ‘80s he worked

tirelessly to reduce pollution locally and remove tolls from our bridges.

Earl loved classical music and group singing. He supported our Symphony musicians and helped establish

the Florida Chamber Music Project of which he was the current president. Prior to the pandemic he and

his wife sang with both The Heritage Singers and the Christ Episcopal Church Chancel Choir.

Earl loved to play, too. He enjoyed traveling, backpacking, cycling, anything at the beach and downhill

skiing which he did not venture into until he was 45.

Earl is survived by his beloved wife of 30 years, Ann Irene Wingate, his son J. Michael Barker (Jaime L.

Kelsky) and granddaughter, Hadley Wren Barker, sisters-in-law, Jane W. Mitchell and Ellen W. Hutchins

(James), nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. He was predeceased by his parents and first-born

son, John Middleton Barker.

Services in Celebration of his Life will be held 2:00 Friday afternoon, January 28th at Christ Episcopal

Church, 400 San Juan Dr, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL.

In lieu of flowers, you may make a donation to Christ Church Cares, address above; to The Florida

Chamber Music Project, P O Box 1634, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082; or to The Heritage Singers of

Jacksonville, c/o South Jacksonville Presbyterian Church, 2137 Hendricks Ave., Jacksonville, FL 32207.