Larry Dean Barker, Sr.

SANDY RUN - Rev. Larry Dean Barker, Sr., beloved pastor, devoted father of three children and two cousins, cherished grandfather to seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, transitioned into eternity in heaven on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.

Larry was born in Bennettsville, SC on March 25, 1940 and raised in his beloved Georgetown. He graduated from Georgetown High School and studied at Wingate University. An avid athlete, Larry served as quarterback of the team. Proudly wearing his letterman sweater and loafers, he’d head to Pawley’s Island with his friends to cruise in his convertible welcoming any opportunity demonstrate his dancing skills, namely the Shag. While in college, he met his soulmate, Linda, and was unified in marriage in May 1961. He would always reminisce about the first time he saw her and knew, “I’m going to marry her”. They became inseparable. Larry served two separate stints in the military. His skillsets were of such high caliber they officially changed several protocols to the way “the low country boy” performed them.

Following his military service, Larry was led by God to enter the ministry with Linda at his side in churches located throughout South Carolina. When not in the pulpit, he was visiting church members and people in the community who would soon become members. He thoroughly enjoyed his congregation, singing hymns, honored to baptize souls and marry loving couples. Anyone who got to know Larry knew he loved all of his congregations. With children having a very special place in his heart, it was not uncommon for a little one to run to him at the pulpit. He'd pick them up and continue with the service while having a great big smile on his face. After serving as pastor and founder over 50 years, he retired and became a very active Deacon of Mt. Elon Baptist Church.

Larry is survived by his three children, and their families, daughter, Allison H. Keller, (child Heather A. Harding), daughter, Belena B. “Beth” Killoy, (husband, Michael, children, Caitlin & Kelby), son, L. Dean Barker Jr., (wife, Michelle “Shellie”, children, Caleb, Josiah, Noah and Isabelle; father figure to I. Todd McCumbee and Shamain M. Lill; and his siblings, Thalia T. Vincent, Darrell M. Barker, Ilene B. Lackland and Dennis A Barker. Larry was preceded in death by wife, Linda M. Barker and parents, Verlis M. and Lena B. Barker.

A celebration of his life followed by a gravesite service will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2022, at Mt. Elon Baptist Church, 718 Mount Elon Church Rd, Hopkins, SC 29160-8671. Family and friends will receive visitors from 4:00 – 6:00 PM at Dunbar Funeral Home, 3926 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205 on Friday, April 29, 2022. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in honor of Larry to Mt. Elon Baptist Church at the address shown above.

Memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.