JOHN LEE BARKER

1945 - 2022

JOHN LEE BARKER
John Lee Barker, age 76, a resident of Bullhead City, Ariz., passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. He was born in Tennessee on December 18, 1945 but was raised in Whittier, California.
John began his work life as a machinist, then a painter. It didn't take long for his passion for family, cars and racing to lead him to the automotive industry. He opened BC Auto Parts and Service; a parts store, full service repair shop and full service machine shop in 1978 and was very successful. He created a family business with his wife, brother-in-law, sister-in-law and children. He was always reading what was new in the industry and became an ASE master mechanic.
In 1993 John and his family moved to Arizona. In Bullhead City, John did the same and opened AutoDoc Service Center in 1996. We are proud to keep his legacy alive with the running of AutoDoc. Johnny, Shane and Shari still work the family business that John always dreamed of.
There are not many things you can say that John loved longer than his family but racing is one. He raced most of his life, regular cars, a '55 Chevy (Panic Mouse), a front engine dragster and then when he moved to rear engine dragster he became an NHRA world record holder for A- Dragster Class. His passion for racing spread thru the family. Johnny and Lori both raced dragsters and his grandson, Shane, raced here in Bullhead City for the last 13 years with his Papa as his Crew Chief. Together they won many races and several Championships. Shane continues to race with his Papa in spirit.
John was also known around town as the "Autodoc" from being on the radio for about 10 years, here in Bullhead City. He started as a regular guest and eventually had his own weekly show. People loved talking to him about their car issues. He is and will always be with us in our hearts.
He is survived by his wife, Carolyn Gianetti Barker, they were high school sweethearts and married in June 1964; his three children, Lori Barker, John A. Barker, Shari Vasquez; two siblings, Sue Geier and Mike Barker; one grandson, Shane Vasquez; one nephew, Chris Geier; one great-nephew, Kevin Geier; and many extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.
There will be a celebration of life on Saturday, April 9, 2022. Please contact Shari at (520)831-4651 or avalonrealty@outlook.com or Lori at (928)201-5352 for more information.