Bim Barker

James Royce “Bim” Barker, age 87, of Union City died April 15, 2021, at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Union City. Graveside services were held 1 p.m. Saturday at Eastview Cemetery, with Dr. Chris Gooch officiating.
Pallbearers were Damon Campbell, Harry Johnson, Steve Connell, Jerry Stone, Matt Harris and Greg Moore. Honorary pallbearers were members of the Hardee’s coffee club, Dr. Howard Ragsdale, John Tanner, Bill Acree, Joe Hill, Don Thornton, Jim Harris, Don McGaugh, Tony Hinson, George Gibson, Gene Williams, Bart White, Charles Harris and special lifelong friend Max Hardin.
White-Ranson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
He was born July 23, 1933, in Obion County to the late Bryan and Zelma Harris Barker.
After graduating from Cloverdale High School, he was drafted and served in the U.S. Army in the Korean War. He rose quickly in rank to Sergeant First Class after 18 months of service. His unit was an Anti-Tank heavy armament infantry. Later, he served in military intelligence and was eventually discharged with a Full Military Parade and recommendations for Officer Training School. He was an active supporter of our local VFW Post.
After returning to Union City, he was employed at Reelfoot Packing Company as an office manager in shipping. While working at Reelfoot, he started a gravel hauling trucking company and later partnered with his brother Marvin “Jiggs” Barker to form Barker Brothers Trucking and Construction.
Their company was involved with many local projects including the building of the Goodyear Tire plant and the highway construction for the Mississippi River bridge at Dyersburg.
The Barker Brothers company grew in scope and range of services engaging in the business of waste management, servicing most of West Tennessee. In 1991, he retired after the Barker Brothers company was purchased by Continental Waste.
He served on the Board of Directors for the Bank of Troy for many years and was instrumental in the sale of the Bank of Troy to First Citizens National Bank of Dyersburg.
Known for his culinary skills, Barker’s Restaurant was opened in 1969 in Troy specializing in steaks and seafood. Many area events were hosted there. Later in life, he enjoyed smoking ribs for different organizations and fund-raising events, such as the Walk of Hope.
He also served as the secretary and manager of the Moose Lodge in Union City for 30 years.
He was elected as the Tennessee State President of the Moose Lodge Organization and later awarded their highest honor as Pilgrim.
He enjoyed the sporting life and was a serious competitor at the Hickman Country Club on their weekly golf tournaments.
He is survived by his loving companion, Jacque Lethcoe; his three sons, Wayne (Judy) Barker of Union City, Scott (Mary Lynn) Barker of Hornbeak and James Royce Barker Jr. of Union City; his nephew, Bryan Barker; niece, Debbie White; nine grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Fay Wilson Barker; his brother, Marvin “Jiggs” Barker; and his sister, Bernice Barks.
He was an active member of St. James Episcopal Church in Union City.
The family requests that any memorials be made to St. James Episcopal Church.
Condolences may be sent to the family at the funeral home website: www.white-ranson.com.

Published 4.20.21