James Ralph Barker

James Ralph Barker, 72, of Worth County, GA., died Friday, May 9, 2025 at Atrium Health Navicent in Macon, GA. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. at Mathews Funeral Home. Rev. Charles McCardle will officiate.

James was born in Albany, GA., to the late Wiley and Zelma Barker, Sr. He was a Viet Nam veteran and served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He continued his service to the country in civil service and worked in the maintenance department at the Marine Base. He went on to work and retire from the city of Sylvester.

He was a member of Dougherty Lodge 591 F&AM and Hasan Shriners. James enjoyed watching westerns, hunting and fishing and always had a joke or prank to pull. He was a big Atlanta Falcon fan and enjoyed watching NASCAR.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death a sister, Barbara Tillis and a brother-in-law Bob Lombard.

Survivors include his wife Elaine Barker, his children, Jennifer Rogers (Cody), Richie Barker (Lexie), Stacy Barfield (Brian), Daphne Jordan (David) and Cindy Hatcher, his grandchildren, Colten, Levi and Emma Rogers, Peyton Barker, Noah Barker, Hayley Freeman, Kaitlyn Anderson (Tanner), Max Cumbie (Katie), Keyton Trowell, Skyler Trowell and Rainy Hatcher, two great grandchildren, Aubrey and Ivy Trowell, and his siblings Joyce Posey (Winston), Peggy Lombard and Wiley Barker.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers those desiring may make donations to Shriners Hospital for Children c/o Hasan Transportation Fund, 1822 Palmyra Road Albany, GA 31701.