John BARKER

BARKER, John E.Age 66, passed away April 19, 2010 surrounded by his family and dear friends, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy. He is preceded in death by his father, JB Barker and brother, Jimmy Barker. He is survived by his devoted wife of 44 years, Carol Burgess Barker; four children, Melanee Barker Lindsey (Scott), John Lincoln Barker (Margaret), Eve Barker Carney (Trajan) and Beau James Barker, and Henry, his dog and loyal companion. He is also survived by mother, Wilma Barker; brother, Joey Barker and four grandchildren, Matthew Collins Barker, Anna Caroline Barker, Mary Caroline Carney and Dora Elizabeth Carney. Throughout his life, he was involved in numerous business endeavors. He began as the editor and publisher of the Warren County Tribune in McMinnville, TN. He has owned numerous car dealerships in Cookeville, TN, Springfield, TN, Russellville, KY, Athens, AL and Nashville, TN. He was the founder of Two Rivers Ford in Nashville, TN in 1982, for which he was best known. Through his leadership and success, Two Rivers Ford was the recipient of the President's Award from Ford Motor Company and was featured in Dealer World Magazine. He served many years on the Tennessee Motor Vehicle Commission, the Nashville Convention Center board. He was the former chairman of the Ford Dealer Advertising Fund board, and member of the Al Menah Shrine and many other civic organizations. Through his love and support of his community and charitable works, he received the Andrew Jackson Award-Tennessee's nominee for the Time Magazine's National Dealer of the Year. He fought in death the way he lived his life-with tenacity and a positive attitude. As this illness overtook him, he never complained and would never let it win. He loved nothing more than spending time with his family and friends. He loved grilling and having friends over for cookouts. He loved to play golf and always kept several extra sets if anyone needed them to play. He also enjoyed traveling and spending time at the beach. As we mourn this great loss, we are also reminded-through many stories and practical jokes-of his love, kindness, and sense of humor. We offer our most heartfelt thanks to nurses Carmen and Greg at Baptist Hospital, for their kindness and support during this difficult time. Visitation with the family will be held on Thursday, April 22, 2010 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m., at Hibbett and Hailey Funeral Home. A private funeral will be held in Crossville, TN. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, St. Jude Research Hospital, the Al Menah Shriners Hospitals for Children, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by HIBBETT & HAILEY FUNERAL HOME, 429 Donelson Pike, Nashville, TN 37214; 615-883-2361.