Gene William Barker

Gene William Barker, 92, of Gastonia passed away peacefully on Sunday October 3, 2021. Gene was a lifelong bachelor. He served his country proudly in the United States Army. He often told his family stories of his time in Germany. Professionally Gene worked in the printing industry, but his passion was music. Gene played and sang Gospel as well as Blue Grass Music. He was quite gifted on the bass guitar and he even played with Randy Travis, before Randy Travis was famous. Gene loved his family and he took care of his sister, Patricia Plemmons, until she passed eight months ago. Gene leaves behind many nieces and nephews as well as other extended family members. He will be truly missed.

Gene is the son of the late Bertie (Pettus) Barker and Herbert Eugene Barker. His sister Patricia Plemmons and his brothers Vernon Barker and Glenn also preceded him in death.

A service celebrating the life of Gene will be held at 2:00 PM on Tuesday November 2, 2021 at Sunset Forest Baptist Church, 903 Hickory Grove Road, Gastonia, North Carolina. The family will receive friends before the service beginning at 1:00 PM at the church.

Gene will be laid to rest at Historic Goshen Cemetery, 530 Woodlawn Street, N. Belmont, NC. Gene will be in his family’s plot near his parents and next to his dear sister. The United States Army and The Gaston County Honor Guard will accord full military honors to Gene at the graveside.

Fond memories of Gene and condolences for the family may be left at www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com.

The staff of Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park is honored to serve the Barker Family.