Brent Barker

August 4, 1986 - April 10, 2022

Brent Barker, 35, of Blountville, left this life unexpectantly for his heavenly home on Sunday, April 10, 2022 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Brent leaves behind many heartbroken family members and friends. We were not ready for him to go so young, but as much as we loved him, we are so thankful that he is no longer sick or in any pain. Brent had been having health issues since 2020. Numerous trips to Vanderbilt, Doctor’s offices and emergency room visits have left us without answers. Thank you to all of those who have prayed for him, loved him and were kind to him during his illness. Brent never met a stranger and always had a smile on his face. He loved to cook for everyone and could take leftovers and make a meal out of what most of us would have thrown away. Brent loved to go camping at Fall Creek Falls with his wife Jessica and his “not fluffy puppy” Cash. He also loved spending time with his family at the lake. Donald Brent Barker was born August 4th, 1986, in Kingsport, TN to parents Don and Debbie Penley Barker. Brent graduated from Mountain Empire Christian School and Crown Bible College, where he made many lifelong friends. Brent had worked various jobs in the area, leaving his last job in 2021 to return to school and pursue his dream of being a Barber. He passed his exams and obtained his license in March 2022 and as Brent had requested, his Papaw Sam was his first official haircut as a Barber on March 15, 2022. Brent bragged to the family that “we have lots of hairdressers in the family, but I am the only Barber!” We hope in heaven that God finds a corner for you to open your own Barber shop and your buddy Joe will be your first customer. He attended New Grace Baptist Church where he taught Children’s Church before he became sick. Brent was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Omar and Mona Barker and Uncle Steve Brown. Along with his parents, Brent is survived by his loving wife and best friend Jessica Hermes Barker, his Sisters Bethany Hamilton (Derek) and Rowan Barker. Brent was a doting Uncle to Rachel, Addilyn, Annabelle, Riley, Ayden and Jaxon. He loved them all like they were his own and never missed a chance to spoil them. He is also survived by his Grandparents, Sam and JoAnn (JoJo) Penley, Aunts: Donna Penley Kinsler (Randy) and Linda Brown. Uncle: Steve Barker (Pam). Cousins: Andrea Brown Barrett (Randy), Brittany Brown Mitchell, Summer Barker Alley (Jim), Josh Barker (Amanda), Jake Barker and Sarah Barker. Sister-in-Law: Heather Miller (Robb). Brothers-in-Law: Jon Hermes and Doug Keen and a host of friends that were like his family. Special Neighbors Stewart and Sally Blair that were always there for him when needed and whom they affectionately call “Dent”. The funeral Service will be conducted at 7:00 P.M., Thursday, April 14th, 2022 at New Grace Baptist Church with Brother Sam Haynes officiating. Pallbearers will be family and friends. The committal service and interment will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. on Friday at Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, VA. The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 7:00 P.M., Thursday prior to the service at the church. In lieu flowers, please send donations to the family to help with the funeral expenses. Condolences and memorials may be shared with the family at akardfuneralhome.com Akard Funeral Home, (423) 989-4800 is honored to be serving the Barker family.