Cecil J. Barker

Asheville – Cecil James Barker, 88, of 472 Gorman Bridge Road, passed away on Monday, August 16, 2021 at the Jefferson City Life Care Center. A lifelong resident of Buncombe County, he retired in 1991 from the Rainbow Baking Company following 27 years of service as a Route Salesman. He was formerly employed part-time at the US Tobacco Company. He formerly attended Emma United Methodist Church, and was a Korean War Veteran, having served in the US Army. Mr. Barker was the son of the late Andrew Elias Barker and Laurena Melvina Carson Barker and was the husband of Hazel L. Woolley Barker who died May 24, 2021. He was also preceded in death by his 10 siblings. Surviving are his sons, David James Barker and wife, Francine of Dandridge, TN and Darryl Reid Barker and wife, Sara of Wilmington; twin grandchildren, Ethan and Lauren Barker both of Wilmington. Graveside services will be held at 12 Noon Monday, August 23, 2021 at the Western Carolina State Veterans Cemetery, with the Rev. Enoch Ball, Jr. officiating. Military rites will be conducted by the NC National Guard. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Emma United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 6921, Asheville, NC 28816.