Percy Wayne Barker

Percy "Wayne" Barker, 87, passed away on Monday, November 5, 2012 at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.

He was born on January 8, 1925 in Hazelhurst, Mississippi. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the US Navy and proudly served for 20 years. He was appointed by Governor Hayden Burns in 1965 to serve as the Barber Commissioner for the State of Florida. He later was a barber in Gainesville, Florida and in Tallahassee for many years.

Wayne (Papa) was an awesome grandfather! He was a great cook when it came to southern favorites like fried chicken, gumbo and shrimp and grits. He also enjoyed country music, fishing, playing golf and piddling.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Mary Ann Barker of Tallahassee, his daughters, Debbie Pedersen (John Jusino) of Tallahassee and Leigh Atkins (Steve) of St. George Island; his grandchildren, Andrew Pedersen (Jennifer Slack) of Winter Park, Colorado and Meredith Felton (Matthew) of Austin, Texas; and great grandson, Jackson Pedersen of Winter Park, Colorado. He is also survived by two sisters in Mississippi, Betty Polite and Kay McGhee.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2012 from 1 pm - 3pm at Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, Florida. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Tallahassee Alzheimer's Project, Inc., 301 East Tharpe Street, Tallahassee, Florida, 32303.

Arrangements are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home in Tallahassee, Florida.