Jimmy Dale Barker Sr., 80, of Mt. Sterling, KY passed away Saturday, January 20, 2024, at the UK Markey Cancer Center in Lexington, KY.
He was born November 30, 1943 in Keokee, Virginia to his parents, Lelia Flanary Barker and James Emmet Barker, Jr. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved sisters Norma Fleenor, Jo Ann Estep and Shirley Rogers.
Jimmy Dale is survived by his three sons, Jimmy Dale Barker, Jr (Haley) of Melbourne, Florida, Jody Kyle Barker (Angela) of Mt. Sterling, Kentucky and Eric Edward Barker (Amy) of Fishers, Indiana; his grandchildren, Kyleigh Elizabeth Barker, Molly Paige Barker, Eric Brady Barker, and Kaycee Ashlyn Barker; his sister, Tonya Barker of Keokee, VA; his former wife, Marcia Barker of Loveland, OH; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Brother Jim was an ‘Elder’ in the Primitive Baptist Universalist Church where he humbly loved to stand up and share his faith, learning from others in debate as much as he was willing to teach. Between gatherings he studied the Bible, which he read cover to cover many times every year and he would spend hours discussing it with all of us that had the privilege of hearing his passion for God’s word.
‘Papaw’ traveled across Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio where he absolutely loved to spend time with his grandchildren, cheering them on as they played volleyball, swimming, baseball, cheer and tumbling. After the games and competitions, he was always there with encouragement and instruction. You can always see his smile, love and laughter in each of them.
‘Coach’ Barker was a servant of his community where he coached basketball and baseball for hundreds of young men in Loveland and Goshen, OH. He brought the best out of every player that he coached and was often consulted for his basketball wisdom by coaches at all levels. When the weather was nice, he was on the golf course, trying to perfect his golf game. He was an avid Kentucky Wildcats fan and loved watching UK sports throughout his life.
‘Heavy Duty’ was a proud union worker, retiring after 38 years with what is now General Mills in Sharonville, OH. He worked every shift and up to 12 hours per day, 7 days per week in order to provide a better life for his family. We will forever benefit from his sacrifices and the work ethic he instilled in all of us.
Dad’s smile and laugh made us feel loved and cared for. He would drop everything to take care of his family. The love and spirit that he shared with all of us will continue to grow and spread through everyone touched by his tremendous light.
The family will receive friends at the Oak Grove Baptist Church in Keokee, Friday (Jan. 26, 2024) at 11:30 am with services held immediately following from 12:30pm to 1pm with Elder Reece Maggard officiating.
Burial will follow in Powell Valley Memorial Gardens in Big Stone Gap, Va. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to Oak Grove Church, c/o Curtis Flanary, Clerk, 1211 Anderson City Rd. Lawrenceburg, KY 40342.
Gilliam Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Barker family.
To view the obituary online and offer condolences, visit www.gilliamfuneralhome.com or the funeral home Facebook page.