Robert Douglas Barker

Robert Douglas Barker, Jr (Rob) went home to be with the Lord on July 29, 2026. He was born on January 7, 1960, on his family’s farm to two loving parents, Robert Douglas Barker, Sr. (Doug), and Ruth Breedlove Barker. Rob learned at a very early age the value of good morals, to have responsibility and good work ethics as he worked on his daddy’s farm and at Barker Bros. Texaco, which was owned by his dad and uncle.

He graduated from J.F. Webb High School in Oxford in 1978 where he was a member of the National Honor Society and several other school clubs and he played on the baseball team. Upon graduation from high school, he attended Louisburg College then Vance Granville Community College where he obtained a degree in Criminal Justice.

He then went to work for the North Carolina Department of Correction where he was a programmer and later as a Correctional Sergeant. He received many honors there and he was also a member of the Prison Emergency Response Team (PERT). After this he went to work for the United States Postal Service in Henderson, N.C. where he was a City Letter Carrier for 40 years. During this time, he received many awards and honors such as being a member of the Million-Mile Club, safe driving awards, etc. He also served as secretary/treasurer and then President of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch #1286. He was very instrumental in the Letter Carrier’s Food Drive held each year.

When he was in his 20’s, he had a desire to be an auctioneer, growing up around warehouses and hearing tobacco auctions, going to his uncle’s livestock market and being around auctions. He attended Mendenhall School of Auctioneering and became a licensed auctioneer. In the late 90’s, he and some friends from church began the Creekside Quartet where he sang lead for over 30 years. Rob loved working on his farm, mowing, weed eating and trying to always keep it looking pretty.

He was a member of Tabbs Creek Baptist Church where he sang in the choir, taught Sunday School, was a former youth director, was a deacon serving as chairman many times and served on many other committees.

He is survived by his wife, Robbie Tingen Barker, two daughters, Meghan Abee (Sam), Brittany Adcock (James), and five grandchildren, Phoebe, Liam, Luke, Hayden, and Madilyn, which he dearly loved.

Services will be held on Sunday, August 2, 2026, 2:00 p.m. at Tabbs Creek Baptist Church by Rev. Robbie Wood and Rev. Johnny Yount. Burial will be held at Elmwood Cemetery. 

Gentry-Newell & Vaughan Funeral Home is assisting the Barker family.