Rickey Dale Barker

Rickey Dale Barker, 65, passed peacefully in his home, surrounded by his immediate family, on the evening of January 2, 2026. Rick lived an amazing life full of family, farming, hunting, and adventure. He graduated from Vina High School in May of 1978 with his wife of almost 47 years, Lisa Michelle (Taylor) Barker. His son, Michael Dale, was born in October of 1980. More recently, in June of 2019, Rick welcomed a new daughter (in-law) to his family with open arms, when Michael married Mary Elizabeth (Bowen) Barker. Rick’s short life was filled with joy and accomplishments. He earned an Associates of Science in Robotics from Northwest Shoals Community College, and maintained a herd of cattle, chicken houses, horses, a hay farm, and a hunting club for the majority of his life. Rick loved his family, his dogs, and the people of Vina. He lived for deer hunting in the winter, but he also enjoyed traveling and seeing the sights of the world. From football games in Tuscaloosa to the stunning beaches of Aruba, Rick appreciated the variety of people and cultures (and especially food) that the world has to offer. He loved to talk about the Coastal Redwoods and Giant Sequoias of California, the ferries and markets of Seattle, the beaches of the Caribbean, and the mountains and wildlife of the Rockies. Rick simply loved the outdoors and enjoying it with his family and friends. In his final years, Rick fought many health issues, and finally, it was cancer that would take him. He fought voraciously with dignity and pride. As he lost his strength, he gained humility, maintained compassion, and was only concerned for his family. The entire Barker family is especially thankful for the wonderful doctors and staff at Clearview Cancer Institute, Sarah Cannon Research Institute, UAB, and Alliance Cancer Care. Dr. Diaz, Dr. Garmezy, and Dr. Pearlman gave Rick additional years, instead of months, with his family following his initial diagnosis. Rick is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Lisa Michelle Barker, his children Michael & Mary Barker, his siblings, Johnny (and wife, Marsha) Barker, Janet Ozbirn, Sandra (and husband, Kenny) Sparks, and a multitude of nieces and nephews. Rick was preceded in death by his mother and father, J. B. and Mary Maxine Barker, and his brother-in-law Johnny Ozbirn. His best canine friends Hercules, Macy, and Moxie will miss him dearly. A memorial service will be held at Spry Memorial Chapel in Russellville, AL on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. There will be a viewing period from 1 to 2 PM, with a short celebration service at 2 PM. Rick will be cremated following the ceremony, and his final resting place will be prepared under his 2 favorite oak trees on his farm in the coming weeks. These honorary Pallbearers are a collection of Rick’s closest friends and family, and we’d like to thank them for being such a big part of Rick’s life: William Scott, Jeff Taylor, Nicholas Taylor, Mike Blanton, Justin Fleming, Mark Hardin, Scott Pettey, Jonathan Ozbirn, Keenan Sparks, Jeff Hardin and Lee Hacker. Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To leave a private condolence, please visit our website, sprymemorialchapel.com.

Rickey Dale Barker

March 3, 1960 - January 2, 2026

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