Willie Barker

Willie Greenwood “Bill” Barker, Jr., 81, took his final tee time on Monday, March 26, 2018 in Danville, Virginia following a brief illness. He was born to Willie Greenwood and Janie Talley Barker on February 21, 1937. In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his son, Willie Greenwood Barker, affectionately referred to by Bill as “Little Billy”, and his brother, Cecil Barker Sr.             Bill is survived by his wife of 37 years, Sue Barker; son, Jay Edward Barker and girlfriend, Ashley Herndon, of Danville, VA; daughter, Lori Barker Smith and husband, Rory, of Semora; grandchildren, Stuart Smith and wife, Giseli, of Danville, Cayla Barker of Charlotte, Thomas Barker of Danville and Madi Barker of Danville; great-granddaughter, Sophie Smith of Danville; brother, Maurice Barker and wife, Carolyn, of Milton; nephews, Cecil Barker Jr. and wife, Renee, of Semora, and Lee Barker and wife, Sheila of Milton; and nieces, Jennifer Renee Barker of Semora and Jane Sylvester and husband, Artie, of Cary. Bill was an ambitious businessman with a knack for making things happen. He was President and COO of Dibrell Brothers Inc. and was former Director of the Board for American National Bank. He became a prominent international tobacco businessman for Dibrell in Brazil and Canada. When he retired, he became co-owner of Piedmont-Big Sale Warehouse and founded Cherokee Tobacco Company with his son, Jay. Bill spent many of the last 19 years in Vero Beach, Florida with his wife, Sue. The couple enjoyed golfing, boating, and spending time with friends. He was a member of the Danville Golf Club, The Water’s Edge Country Club at Smith Mountain Lake, and Grand Harbor Golf and Beach Club in Vero Beach, FL. He was also a member of the German Club, the Young Men’s Club, and Semora United Methodist Church. He was a proud member of the National Guard and enjoyed sharing stories from his time serving his country. Although retired, Bill continued to be a vital part of his businesses with his son, Jay. He enjoyed returning to Danville to see his children and grandchildren. His voice and his ability to captivate people with his story telling will never be forgotten. This past Christmas, the family enjoyed sitting at the dinner table listening to him tell stories from his past and those that had gone on before him. The family will cherish these times spent with Bill.             A celebration of life will be held Friday, March 30, at 11 a.m. at Townes Funeral Home in Danville, VA. The service will be officiated by the Rev. Bart Fletcher with the eulogy given by Gary McBride. Military Honors will be by the Virginia Army National Guard. Burial will follow at Danville Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers and food, memorials may be made to the Danville Life Saving Crew, 202 Christopher Lane, Danville, VA 24541. Pallbearers will be Harry Lea, AB Cassada, Peyton Green, Tim Cobb, Cecil Barker Jr., Dale Powell, Joe Millehan and Jason Payne. Townes Funeral Home is serving the Barker family. Online condolences may be made at www.townesfuneralhome.com.