Roger Lee Barker, age 64 of West Jefferson, passed away on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at his home surrounded by his family. Roger was born on October 5, 1961, in Ashe County, NC, to the late Everett Orville and Ruth Osborne Barker. Including his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Jonathan Michael Shepherd.

He was a member of Sugar Tree Baptist Church. Roger was a mechanic by trade, a skill he had his whole life. He was known as an honest man who was always helping others and taking care of folks in need. 

The most important things in his life were his faith, his family, and his friends. He was especially proud of his eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. In his spare time, he enjoyed dirt track racing for many years and always enjoyed going, as he called it, "Junk Yard hopping." 

In his own words, Roger "Always wanted to do the best for his family."

Mr. Barker is survived by his wife, Brenda Miller Barker; two daughters, Julie Greene (Terry) of West Jefferson and Nicole Dillard (B.J) of Jefferson; two brothers, Steve Barker of West Jefferson and Hank Barker of Wilkesboro; and two sisters, Hazel Burgess of Salisbury and Margie Burgess of Jefferson. Eight grandchildren, Elizabeth Jordan, Kelsie Goodman, Jacob Dillard, Kaitlyn Dillard, Lucas Dillard, Ayden Shepherd, Grace Greene, Dalton Shepherd, two great-grandchildren, Wade Jordan and Lilah Day; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 24, 2026 at 3:00pm at Ashelawn Memorial Chapel by Rev. Jim Greer and Rev. J.D. Walton. Burial will follow in the Barker-Eller-McNeil Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 1:00 to 3:00pm two hours prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the family, 527 Maple Ave. Ext., West Jefferson, NC 28694.