Jack Daniel Barker

He was born May 23, 1925, in Iredell County and was the son of the Carter and Ila Mae Mayberry Barker, and one of thirteen children. He attended Ebenezer Elementary School and Harmony High School. He served his country in the United States Army 157th Infantry Division in World War II from 1944 to 1945 and was awarded 2 Bronze Stars and the Purple Heart. In December 1947, he married Lorene Richardson of Harmony who passed away in 2005, and they shared almost 60 wonderful years of marriage.

He was also preceded in death by five brothers, Dwight, George, E.C., Cecil, and Zeb Barker; and six sisters, Lucille Morrison, Pauline Johnson, Reba Hendren, Beulah Harris, Connie Shoemaker, and Ethel Fox.

After discharge from the Army, Jack joined his brother Zeb in operating Barker’s Radio & TV. A formal partnership evolved in 1963, and this family business successfully operated for 28 years. After retirement, Jack went to work at Manheim Auto Auction and enjoyed his work there for 20 years, retiring again, at age 82.

Jack was an accomplished bluegrass musician and singer. He learned to pick his guitar as a young boy when he and his brothers, George, Dwight, E.C. and Loree would pick and sing on the back porch at home. Many times these brothers gathered at Jack and Lorene’s home, especially when brother George was home from Virginia to pick and sing often joined by nephews, Steve and Buddy. Jack enjoyed years of entertaining with his brothers, Dwight and E.C. as members of Dwight Barker and the Melody Boys, and had a Saturday evening television program in the 1950’s.

Jack was life-long member of Hebron Baptist Church and for many years served as music director. He used his musical gifts to serve and praise his Lord and Savior providing special music with his guitar and singing not only at Hebron but also at nursing homes and various other special functions in Statesville. His love of music was a very special part of his life, which he has certainly passed on to his children, Alan and Ann.

Jack was known to so many as a good friend, always eager to give a friendly handshake, that bright smile, and an uplifting word. His life was a testimony of his faith and love for his Lord. He enjoyed 85 years of wonderful health and found joy in each day and will be remembered as a hard working, honest man, devoted husband and father and loving Papaw. He loved his family, his home, his church, and his many friends. His smile brightened the room and he always spoke of how good his Lord had been to him.

Surviving Mr. Barker is his son, Alan Barker (Sharon) of Statesville; his daughter, Ann Scruggs (Jim) of Statesville; three grandchildren, Ryan Barker (Mallorie), Jeremy Barker (Stephanie), and Elizabeth Barker; four beautiful great-granddaughters, Nevaeh, Makenzie, Lydia, and Kalissa Barker; and a very special great-niece, Natalie Thomas (Kevin).Also surviving Mr. Barker are his sister-in-law Helen Richardson Bulla of Mocksville, sister-in-law Molly Anne Richardson of King, brother-in-law Jimmy Mattox of Mocksville, and brother-in-law and sister-in-law Al & Wanda Richardson Sutphin of Rural Hall. Al was a favorite picking and singing buddy, and he and Jack spent many hours enjoying bluegrass music together. Jack also had many beloved friends in the Sheffield community and was a favorite entertainer at Sheffield Music Hall for many years.

His youngest brother, Loree Barker of Statesville; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins who cherish his memory also survive him.

Celebration of his life will be held Wednesday evening at 6:00 PM at Hebron Baptist Church with the Reverends Darren Johnson and William Wease officiating. Visitation will follow the service from 7:00 to 9:00 PM. Graveside services will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday in the church cemetery with full military honors. The body will lie in state for one hour in the church prior to the graveside service.

Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.bunchjohnsonfuneralhome.com.

For those who prefer, memorials may be given to Hebron Baptist Church, 175 Hebron Road, Statesville, NC 28625.

Bunch-Johnson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.