Mr. Junior Ray Barker, age 84, passed away on April 1, 2026. He was born on July 4, 1941, in Reagan, Tennessee, to the late Opal and Delphia Singleton Barker.
Mr. Barker was a graduate of Sardis High School, where he enjoyed playing baseball. A machinist by trade, he worked at Harding Machine for 40 years. He was married to the late Carolyn Barker for 60 years. Together they raised two sons, and it was obvious to anyone who knew them that they were truly best friends. She often enlisted him to deliver cakes and home-cooked meals wherever needed. A follower of Jesus Christ, Junior was known for his quiet faith, evident in the way he lived. He and Carolyn were members of Calvary Baptist Church in Parsons, Tennessee.
He was known for calling friends and family to sing “Happy Birthday.” He loved a good prank, and his laughter was contagious. Through the years, he made many great memories fishing with his siblings, sons, and friends. He was a St. Louis Cardinals fan through the good years and the bad, and a lifelong Tennessee Volunteers fan. More than anything, he enjoyed being at home with his family, where he and Carolyn made ordinary days feel special for their children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his two sons, Jeff Barker (Kim) and Gary Barker (Sarah); two brothers, Jerry Barker (Judy) and Stanley Barker (Vicki); three sisters, Jenece Scott (Norman), Carol Horn (Robert), and Pam Chandler (Tracy); and four grandchildren, Micah, Haven, Stone, and Cross Barker. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by two siblings, Joan Barker Neely and Larry Barker.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, April 3, 2026, in the chapel of Pafford Funeral Home in Scotts Hill. Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Baptist Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at 12:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis.
Mr. Barker will be remembered for his faith and dedication to his family. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ms. Vicki Yeager and Arden Hospice for giving them precious time with him at home.
