Robert Odell Barker, 69 of Granite Falls, passed away Tuesday, November 29, 2022 following a period of declining health.

Robert was born on July 24, 1953 in Burke County to Joseph Odell Barker and Edna Blackburn Clark. Robert was a happy person with a great sense of humor. He had a contagious smile and laugh, and he lit up the room wherever he was. He never met a stranger and he loved to make others laugh and share his testimony. Robert was a heart transplant survivor, an ordained elder of Poarch Chapel where he taught Sunday School and served on the Stewart Board. He enjoyed working on lawn mowers and rebuilding tractors. Robert was a magical person who loved his wife of 18 happy years, Debi, dearly. He loved his family fiercely and loved Jesus faithfully.

He is preceded in death by his father, Joseph Odell Barker; brother, Joseph Barker; as twin siblings, Donnie Ray and Donna Kay Barker.

Those left to cherish his memory are his wife, Debi Barker, of the home; children, Travis Barker and wife Michelle, and Candace Pritchard and husband Brad; grandchildren, Gavin Pritchard, Ava Barker, and Bentley Barker; his mother, Edna Blackburn Clark and step father Clayton Clark; siblings, Martha Earp (Larry), Joann Clark (Larry), Jerry Barker (Judy), Clariss Childers (Owen), Audrey Eckard (Larry), Charles Barker (Susie), and Harley Barker (Nanette); and numerous other family and friends.

A Celebration of life will be held Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Poarch Chapel with Pastor Danny Carr and Pastor Wallace Smith officiating.

The family will receive friends Sunday, December 4, 2022 from 2:00 to 3:00 PM at Poarch Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Amorem of Hudson at 902 Kirkwood Street, NW, Lenoir, NC 28645.

An online guestbook and obituary is available at www.mackiefh.com

Mackie