Thomas Barker

Surrounded by his family, Thomas Lee Barker, 95, passed away peacefully on November 6, 2021. He has been in declining health for several years. He was born January 1, 1926, to Carrie Bell Roberts Barker and William Joseph Barker in Sutherlin, VA. On December 14, 1946, he married the love of his life, Jane Bailey Barker, who survives at the residence. He was predeceased by his son, Terry Lee Barker, Sr., Ringgold, VA. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa McDaniel (Mark), Cary, NC. His daughter-in-law, Vickie Barker, Ringgold, VA; Five grandchildren, Lindsay Atkinson (Jammie Crumpton-Fiancé), Ringgold, VA, Terry Lee Barker Jr (Sarah), Ringgold, Carrie Staton (Corey) Maryville, TN, Melissa Graham (Patrick), Apex, NC, Paige McDaniel, (Steve Radford-Fiancé), Cary, NC. Nine great-grandchildren, Kaylee and Tanner Atkinson, Addilyn and Kenna Barker, Fisher, Eli, Haddon, and Campbell Staton, and Tucker Graham. He is also predeceased by his parents and brothers, Stanley, Garland, James, and Clarence(Bubba) Barker. He served in the US Navy from April 1944-May 1946 stationed at Hickam Field, Oahu, Hawaii. He was the owner and operator of Barker’s Store for many years. He retired from the US Postal Service as a rural letter carrier in 1991. After retirement, he enjoyed working with Townes Funeral Home as a part-time employee. Thomas was a charter member of the Ringgold Fire and Rescue where he served as chief from 1965-1981. He was a charter member and past board member of Kentuck Volunteer Fire Department. He served on the ASCS Committee, Social Service Board, Electoral Board, and the Highway Safety Commission. He loved his family and community. He was a member of Kentuck Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon. He was a member of the Sertoma Club and Ringgold Jaycees. A funeral service will be held Tuesday, November 9, 2021, 2:00PM at Kentuck Baptist Church. Visitation will be from 1:00 to 2:00pm at the church. Interment will follow at Highland Burial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to Kentuck Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 37, Ringgold, VA 24586.