Bob Barker

Robert Marvin Barker of Spring Street, husband of Mary and a beloved father, and grandfather, died on July 17, 2009. He was 79.

A memorial service is planned Monday at 3 p.m. at Davidson United Methodist Church.

Bob was born on June 26, 1930 in Lumberton, NC. He was the second son of the late Henry Marvin Barker and Mamie Warwick Barker.

Besides Mary, his wife of 29 years, he is survived by his sons: Robert of Southern Pines, John and wife Mary of Tampa, Fla., James and wife Connie of Charlotte, and Gray and wife Miranda, Charlotte; his daughter Star Whittle and her husband Steve of Salt Lake City, Utah, and 15 grandchildren: Sally and her mother Meg Thomason, Rachel, Bryce, Gabriella, Haley and her mother Sally, Hank, Helen, Ashton, Erica, Ana, Caeden, Gillian, Virginia, Eleanor, and Charlie.

He is also survived by his brother, Charles Warwick Barker and wife, Vista of Kingsland, Ga., and his aunt Nell W. Thomas of Rock Hill, and nieces and nephews.

Bob graduated from Lumberton High School in 1948 and from Duke University in 1956.

In 1956, Bob began his 40 year career with American Trust Co., which became NCNB in 1960 (now Bank of America). As a senior vice president of NCNB, he started the international division and opened branches in the Bahamas, London and Hong Kong. In 1975, he was one of the first U.S. bankers to enter China despite China’s ban on U.S. bankers at that time. In his later years, he headed the bank’s foreign exchange and liability management divisions.

Bob was a member of Davidson United Methodist Church and served as a faithful usher at the 8:15 a.m. service and as a member of the finance committee. Bob was president of the Charlotte Athletic Club, served on the Board of The Peninsula Club, was a financial volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, a volunteer for Dr. Mark Stanback’s Blue Bird research project and a member of Davidson’s WIMPS (We’re Interested in Making Progress Slowly).

An avid outdoorsman and lover of nature, his favorite past times included tagging Monarch Butterflies, birding, fly fishing, hunting, golfing and sailing. Bob was a connoisseur of fine wine and good conversation.

Bob was known for his mischievous smile, witty humor, humility, curiosity and his kind hearted and gentle nature by his family and friends. His colleagues valued his character, intellect, integrity, and loyal friendship.

A memorial service in celebration of his life will be held at 3 p.m. on Monday, July 20, 2009 at Davidson United Methodist Church. The family will greet friends in the Fellowship Hall following the memorial service.

Honorary Pall Bearers are: Al Smith, Bill Madearis, Bill Heitman, Charles Collins, Harold Blackburn, Bill Dow, Dr. Dale Ensor, Gary Hart, Dr. Neill Lee, Bill Madison, Jack McNichols, Gus Murray, Rod Rehfuss, Ed Wood, and The WIMPS.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Carolina Raptor Center, Davidson College Biology Department or Davidson United Methodist Church.