John Oliver Barker

John Oliver Barker, 90, of Sanford, passed away Sunday, January 1, 2023. The funeral service will be held on January 5, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. at Solid Rock Community Church.

Mr. Barker was born in Chatham County, son of the late William G. Barker and Zella Davis Barker. He was preceded in death by sibling James Edgar Barker, Odel Barker, Clarence Barker, Dave Barker, Claudie Barker, Jack Barker, Eugene Barker, Annie Barker Booth, and Dorothy Barker Barber.

John was a faithful member of Solid Rock Community Church.  He loved his Lord, shared this love by word and action, and led several people to the Lord, two of whom became preachers. John taught Sunday School for over 44 years, served as a deacon at Grace Chapel Church and was well known for his guest speaking at churches in Sanford and the surrounding area. He served in the Air Force from 1951 to 1955 and married his wife a few months later.

Mr. Barker is survived by his wife of 67 years, Deurie Kelley Barker; daughters, Cathy Barker Giles (Wayne) and Vicky Barker Long (Morris); son John Barker Jr; grandchildren, Chris Martin, Dereck Martin, Drew Long, Kelley Long Wollgast, Philip Giles, and Branson Barker; great grandchildren, Brycen Long, Carson Long, Giana Martin, Cooper Martin, Tessa Martin, Isaiah Martin and Lydia Martin; sisters, Clara Barker Brandrette and Thelma Barker Fore.

Memorial contributions can be made to Solid Rock Community Church, 989 White Hill Rd, Sanford, NC 27332