The Passing of A Great Man

Edward "Ed" Barker, age 66, of Timber Ridge Road, died Monday, July 11, 2011 at Conway Medical Center. Mr. Barker was born in Geneva, AL, a son of the late Lamar Barker and Verlie Mae Walker Barker. He was a graduate of Bay County High School and attended Gulf Coast College in Panama City, FL. Mr. Barker was the owner and operator of B&R Painting Contracting Inc. in Myrtle Beach. He enjoyed playing golf and was an avid fisherman. Mr. Barker was a member of the Conway Bassmasters. He was a US Army Veteran of Vietnam. Mr. Barker attended University Baptist Church.  Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Anne Benton Barker of Conway; two sons, Eddie Barker and wife Crystal of Conway and Brett Barker and wife Jodi of Folly Beach, SC; seven grandchildren, the love of his life, Caroline, Bren, and Cross of Conway, Chapel, Eli, Conor and Jude of Folly Beach; two brothers, Robert Barker and wife Debbie of Marianna, FL and Richard Barker and wife Barbara of Panama City, FL; and one sister, Frances Burchill and husband David of Madisonville, TN. Funeral services were held at 3:00 PM Thursday at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Conway Chapel with Rev. Douglas Newton and Rev. Jason Hoglund officiating. Burial followed in Hillcrest Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058-5216, or the University Baptist Church, 1740 Hwy. 501 E., Conway, SC 29526.

Papa Ed -  you will be greatly missed by your family, especially your seven grandchildren who thought you hung the moon. Your unexpected passing has made all of us realize how precious life is and that we should make the most of each day - just as you always did. You loved life and you lived your life with zest and candor. We have many great memories of you and we hold those memories close to our hearts..... One of the cards we received from a family friend held a quote from Dr. Suess that, as simple as it may sound, was touching and rang true.... "Don't cry because it is over, smile becuase it happened..." We will all smile a little bigger when we think of you and the fun times we had at the beach house, the lake, the arcade, trips to Disney, family reuntions, Atlanta and Asheville. And every other moment we spent together making memories.