Byron Barker

BARKER, BYRON - September 4, 1957 - May 4, 2005. In memory of Byron Kent Barker who was born in Oak Ridge, Tennessee on September 4, 1957 to Dorothy and James Barker Sr. He attended school in Oak Ridge then enrolled in the Tennessee School of Beauty. After graduation he went to New York where he worked for Suga Salon in Manhattan. Suga, a Japanese hair stylist, was recognized for high-fashion hair styling for Vogue, Harper's Bazaar and for creating the 'wedge' haircut made famous by Dorothy Hamill of Olympic skating fame. In the mid '80s, Byron returned to Knoxville and worked at David Matthews Salon and later Salon Visage. In 1987, Byron fulfilled his dream and opened Salon Byron Barker on Old Kingston Pike, which later became a Tony & Guy 'Platinum' salon. Expanding his skills, he traveled to West Hollywood in 2002 to learn Sally Hershberger's famous 'Meg Ryan' haircut. Byron was multi-talented. He played guitar, sang in recitals, played golf, gardened and was an avid weight lifter. In June 2003, Byron placed second in the Middle Weight Division of the Mr. Knoxville competition. Byron disappeared May 3, 2005, an apparent homicide victim and his body never found. Byron's family wishes to express appreciation for the work of the Knoxville Police Department. Any information regarding Byron's disappearance should be brought to their attention. Byron is survived by his mother Dorothy Barker of Greenwood, S.C.; his grandmother Pearle Sise of Oak Ridge, TN; James Barker Jr. of Knoxville, TN; Sherold Barr of Portland, OR; Jennifer Bennett of Atlanta, Georgia; his nieces Christie Ragle and Tara Gilbreath of Knoxville, TN; his nephew Max Barr of Eugene, OR and his beloved oriental shorthair Siamese cats Buddy and Cat Man of Portland, OR. Byron's family appreciates the support and kindness shown by his clients during his tenure as a stylist in Knoxville. He truly enjoyed his clients and styling their hair. Byron was deeply loved by his family who will forever miss him, his many talents and joyous love and laugher. The family has set up a special account in Byron's name to help build a home with Knoxville Habitat for Humanity. Donations can be made in Byron's name to the following: Knoxville Habitat for Humanity P.O. Box 27478 Knoxville, TN 37927 in memory of Byron Barker acct. #06MBB.