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Robert Barker Obituary


Edenton resident

Robert L. Barker, former state Senator representing Wake, Harnett and Lee Counties, died Tuesday, June 22 in Pitt Memorial Hospital in Greenville. A real estate appraiser, Barker owned Bob Barker and Associates, Inc. with offices in Edenton and Nags Head prior to retirement in 2006. The son of the late Millard R. Barker Sr. and Mabel Gray Barker, Bob was born in Harnett County and grew up in Raleigh, attending Millbrook High School and North Carolina State University. He and his wife, the former Kaye Hollowell, resided in Edenton. In the North Carolina General Assembly, Barker served as Chair of the Senate Committee on Insurance and the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources. He chaired the North Carolina Dairy Industry Study Commission and co-chaired the Senate Joint Study on Governing Boards for Public Education. He is no doubt best remembered by colleagues as Senate co-chair of the House-Senate Joint Committee on Medical Malpractice during the malpractice issues of the 1970's. Senator Barker was appointed by Governor James B. Hunt to serve on the state's Capitol Building Authority that planned the state government complex in downtown Raleigh and also served on North Carolina's Bicentennial Commission and the Marine Fisheries Commission. Bob was always grateful for the role he was able to play in the effort to establish the ECU School of Medicine. Colleagues delight in stories about Senator Barker breaking ranks with Piedmont legislators to support the work of Dr. Leo Jenkins, U.S. Senator Robert Morgan and Lieutenant Governor Hunt to get the Medical School at ECU and the expansion of Pitt Memorial, that would follow, for all of eastern North Carolina. In statements issued this week, former U.S. Senator Robert Morgan and former Governor Jim Hunt called Barker "a great public servant." Of all his civic involvement in Raleigh over the years, none brought greater pleasure than his service on the Board of Directors of the Boys Club of Raleigh for many years. He was instrumental in organizing the Club in an abandoned church property and saw it grow to occupy a large facility with able staff to serve the unmet needs of young men. In addition to his wife of thirty-two years, Barker is survived by his sons, L. Ashley Barker and wife Christine, of Greenville and Robert H. Barker of Nags Head; and daughters Michelle B. Lewis and husband, Terry, and Melissa B. Hood and husband Jeff, of Raleigh; and six grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Will Barker of Raleigh; and sisters, Edith Watkins of Myrtle Beach, S.C. and Carol Hannah of Pinehurst. In addition to his parents, Barker was predeceased by brothers, M. Ray Barker Jr. and William E. Barker; and sisters, Marie B. Yow, Doris B. Southall and Judith B. Coley. Barker was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church where he formerly served on the vestry as Junior Warden. A memorial service will be held Friday, June 25th at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Edenton at 11 a.m. The family will receive friends at the residence at 103 West Church Street. Miller Funeral Home & Crematory, 735 Virginia Road, Edenton, is assisting the family with arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests consideration of memorial contributions to the N.C. State Engineering Foundation for Scholarships, P.O. Box 7901, NCSU, Raleigh, N.C. 27695, or to St. Paul's Church, 101 W. Gale Street, Edenton, N.C. 27932. The family would like to express their appreciation for Dr. Chris Perry in Edenton, and for Dr. Heather White and the oncology staff at Pitt Memorial Hospital. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.millerfhc.com.

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Published by The Daily Advance on Jun. 24, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Barker

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puddin flood

June 26, 2010

his light will forever shine on the ones he left behind,

Antonio

June 25, 2010

To family of Robert I am so sorry for your lost, Let me share a Scripture with you at James 4:8 were it says Draw close bto god and he will Draw close to you.

June 25, 2010

We are very sad to hear about Bob. You guys are in our thoughts and prayers.
Johnette and Betsy

June 25, 2010

Key and my dear cousins,
I am sending you all love today and want you to know that Bob Barker was the man in my life that meant the most after my father's passing. He walked me down the aisle and was there to love and support me much of my young adult life. I am so saddened by his passing. He will join my Mother and I can already feel the joy of that. My best to all of you in your loss, and the loss that we all feel today. Love to you all. Donna Bailey

June 24, 2010

Kay,
I am thinking of you and the entire family during this time of sadness. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I will always remember that Uncle Bob gave me the opportunity to be a "Page" which was a special time for me as a teenager. Although I will not be able to attend the service, I am sending my prayers to all of you.
Love, Cindy Trumbower

June 24, 2010

Oh, Kaye... today's news of Bob's beginning of a new life takes me way back !!! He was one of "my" Senators and I always appreciated him -- his work, his vision, his personality, his support of our interests. His is a special place in my heart and life. Those were such good times !! Prayers for your strength... Sylvia Fink

Steve & Jennifer Klotz

June 24, 2010

Bob and his family and friends are in our thoughts and prayers. He was a good man and touched many lives in many ways. While accomplishing much throughout the various phases of his life, he was most proud of his family, particluarly his children. We appreciate the opportunity he afforded us here on the Outer Banks and know Bob was proud to watch our family grow. Thank you and Godspeed Mr. Barker.

June 24, 2010

YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE MY HEARTFELT SYMPATHY IN YOUR GREAT LOSS. MAY GOD BE WITH YOU AND GIVE YOU STRENGTH. EVELYN LASSITER

PHIL BARKER

June 24, 2010

KAYE MY HEAVY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND FAMILY,YOU KNOW I ALWAYS LOOKED UP TO BOB LIKE A BROTHER,DAD AND A WONDERFUL FRIEND!!!! I LOVED HIM VERY MUCH AND HE WILL FOREVER HAVE A SPECIAL PLACE IN MY HEART.

Captain Bob

June 24, 2010

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

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