Franklin Thomas Barker, age 86, resident of Smiths Station, Alabama, passed away on Friday, February 25, 2022 at his residence. Funeral services are scheduled at the Chapel of Vance Brooks Funeral Home, 3738 US Hwy 431N, Phenix City, Alabama, Wednesday, March 2, 2022, 12 noon (EST) with Reverend Rodney Mitchell and Reverend (Dr.) Wayne Scarborough officiating. Interment with military honors will be rendered at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m. (EST).
Mr. Barker, son of the late Willie Thomas Barker and Emmie Miles Barker, was born June 1, 1935 in Chambers County, Alabama.
He was a veteran of the military, serving his country honorably in the U.S. Army. After serving in the military, he began a career in the automotive industry. When he retired, he was faithfully working for Bill Heard Chevrolet as the Service Manager. He was a longtime member of Auburn Heights Baptist Church and also a member of the Phenix City Activities Center Senior Group. Through the years, Mr. Barker has enjoyed fishing, traveling, and NASCAR. But most remember him being an avid Alabama football fan. When Mr. Barker enjoyed having a quite time at his home, he would be known to watch classic western movies and listen to country music. Most of all though, he enjoyed spending quality time with his wife. The family remembers Mr. Barker as a jokester, one who was friendly to anyone, a man who loved all children, and a steadfast provider for his lovely wife.
Besides his parents, Mr. Barker was preceded in death by six sisters, Mary Ethel Pitts (Fred) Coger, Laura (James L.) Armour, Lorene Byron Hand, Emma Jean Humphrey, Eunice Gaylor, Ethel (Jack) Pitts, and Eunice (Jay) Gaylor; two brothers, Harmon (Frances) Walker and Ralph (Sadie) Barker; sister-in-law, Judy Williams; and two nieces, Lori Williams Minchew and Macy Williams Stacy.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Barbara Berry Barker of Smiths Station; sister, Cordell Bishop of Daviston, Alabama; great-niece, Ashley Minchew of Waycross, Georgia; great-nephews, Jake Minchew of Saint Marys, Georgia and Baylor Stacy of Albany, Georgia; special adopted children, Jim and Christy Cook of Columbus, Georgia; special adopted grandchildren, Sydney Cook, Avery Cook, and Josiah Cook, all of Columbus, Georgia; and numerous friends.
The family would like to give a special thanks to his caregivers, Shelby King and her family, and also Jennifer Grayson.
Flowers are accepted or contributions can be made to Columbus Hospice of Phenix City at www.columbushospice.com.