Glenn Nickels Barker

Glenn Nickels Barker, 82, son of the late S.E. and Gertrude Nickels Barker, died Monday, January 16th at Holston Valley Medical Center. Glenn was born January 21, 1929 in Detroit, but lived the majority of his life in Kingsport. He was a 1946 graduate of Dobyns-Bennett High School where he was voted most studious. Glenn attended Emory and Henry College in 1947 and 1948 before graduating from ETSU in 1951 with a BS Degree in Business Administration. He then served in the Army from 1951 -1954. His business career was spent managing the family store and a family owned rental property. Because of his keen interest in family history, he was considered the family historian for the Barker, Addington and Nickels families.

After retiring, Glenn enjoyed traveling, visiting many states, national parks and foreign countries. Glenn was an active and enthusiastic member of Crossroads United Methodist Church and its predecessor, Stone Drive United Methodist Church, singing in the choir for many years. He served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. Having a loving and generous heart, Glenn gave to Emory and Henry College, ETSU, to numerous charities and established a scholarship endowment in the College of Business at ETSU.

He is survived by several cousins and his church family at Crossroads United Methodist Church.

A special thank you to both Holston Valley and Baysmont for the care and love given to Glenn during his journey home.

The family will receive friends at Crossroads United Methodist Church on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 from 5-7:00 pm. Funeral services will follow at 7:00 pm with Pastor Randy Lantz officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at 12:00 pm at Holston View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Crossroads United Methodist Church, 200 Bays Cove Trail, Kingsport, TN 37660-8489.