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Rusty Barker Obituary
We are deeply saddened to announce the untimely passing of our beloved father and friend, Rusty Lee Barker, due to a motorcycle accident on July 5, 2023. Rusty was born on April 1, 1972, in Gastonia, NC to Marvin and Sandra (Hewitt) Barker. He graduated from Ashbrook High School in 1990 and then went on to graduate from UNC-Charlotte with honors. He was accomplished in his career as an engineer for AT&T where he will be missed by so many coworkers. He was always ready and willing to lend a hand where needed. Rusty became a father to his daughters Emilee and Abby in 2006 and 2008 and of all the things he had done in life being their “dada” was his highest honor. He was their fiercest protector and anyone that truly knew Rusty knew that they were his complete pride and joy. There was nothing in this world he wouldn’t do for his babies. Their lives will never be the same, but they will go on to make lives for themselves that he would be so very proud of. Rusty was a skilled mechanic, could fix anything imaginable and many people were amazed by how incredibly gifted he was in that area but even more amazed by how willing he was to do it. Rusty was a generous soul and will be missed by all that loved him. He was an avid motorcyclist and loved anything with an engine that was loud and fast. On the evening of July 5, he went from this Earth to his heavenly home doing something he loved so much. Life will never be the same without him.
Rusty is survived by his daughters, Emilee and Abby, and their Mama, Candice and her family. He is also survived by his loving girlfriend, Courtney Herman and her kids, Matthew and Grace. He is predeceased by his parents, Marvin and Sandra (Hewitt) Barker and grandparents, Marvin and Callie Barker. We rest assured knowing he is among those that loved him so dearly that went on before him and that he is at peace.
A Celebration of Life service will be held to honor him on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at 4:00 p.m. officiated by Rev. Dickie Spargo. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. at City Church, 3100 City Church St., Gastonia, NC 28056. Rusty would love a room full of vibrant colors (please, no black).
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the American Cancer Society to honor his Mama’s hard fought battle.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Kevin Shipley
July 10, 2023
I met Rusty through work and have considered him a friend since. He will be missed. Prayers for the family.
Kevin Shipley
Heather DiBruno
July 10, 2023
Rusty Will Be Truly Missed By So Many People. He Was The Life Of The Party, Never A Dull Moment. He Never Left The Room Without Saying He Loves Everyone. Rusty Will Never Be Forgotten! We Love You Our Sweet Friend. May You Rest In Peace And Fly High.
Karen Cole
July 9, 2023
You were an April fools baby . We had six girls in our family already so when your mom called we didn´t believe her . I fondly remember our Christmas´ at grandmas. I will be praying for your girls . I know you loved them so .
Robert
July 8, 2023
Wow, I just read of his passing. I remember him well from Ashbrook and riding bikes in the 80´s. Super nice guy. Sorry for your loss.
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Gary J Dowda
July 8, 2023
Emilee & Abby!
Our heart felt condolences go out to you both. May you find peace during this time. If you need anything from us we're just down the street.
May God bless you both and hold you tight the rest of your lives.
Gary & Ramona Dowda
Candace capps
July 8, 2023
Worked with rusty grandmother Callie for so meny years.she was so proud of rusty he was her hold life.I new rusty the day he was born.he became a very good and lovely man. Will be praying for his family Benny& Candace capps
Gail Addis
July 8, 2023
My condolences to the family at this difficult time. I was friends with his Dad when we were kids. Didn´t get to know Rusty until he was a young man, but he was such a good hearted guy! And he was always laughing & joking! He´ll always be that young man to me
Barker
July 7, 2023
Dear Rusty,
I hope heaven is every bit as beautiful as you ever dreamed! I know your mama and daddy were so happy to see you! Mamaw and Papaw loved them some Rusty and I bet Mamaw is just over the moon to see you. It´s apparent the impact you had on your friends and family in the community! Life took us apart from one another but we were still family at the end of each and every day. You were the last man of our Barker family, and it will be kept a legacy as will you.
My fondest memory is when I was a kid and you were a teenager and you had to babysit me so our Dads could work on the dirt track car. I´ll never forget hiding under the coffee table.
We spoke just a couple months ago and I was so happy to know you were doing well. I wish life would have given us more time together, and more time to reminisce on the old days when things were simple.
Momma and Daddy were so sad to hear of your passing. They send prayers and condolences to your daughters.
We love you Rusty and hope you are riding that bike on the streets of gold. Being gear heads I guess we got it honest.
Your cousin, Amber Barker/ Gambino
Your Aunt and Uncle, Mickey and Rhonda Barker.
Karen Cole
July 7, 2023
I remember your mom calling to say she had a boy and we all thought she was telling a story because you were on boy with 6 girl cousins . We always enjoyed our Christmas get togethers . I will be praying for your girls .
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