Melvin "Mel" Loy Barker

Melvin Loy "Mel" Barker, 81, of Athens passed away at his home on Friday, December 1, 2023. He was a lifelong resident of McMinn County. Mel was born on May 21, 1942. He was preceded in death by his parents John Ulysses and Delores Williams Barker, his mother-in-law Helen Murphree, and his daughter Natalie Barker Ramey.
Mel was a graduate of McMInn County High School and Tennessee Wesleyan College where he played baseball. He was a history teacher at Niota Elementary where he also coached boys’ basketball, girls’ basketball, and softball. Mel later joined the City of Athens as Community Development Director and then served as Athens City Manager until his retirement. He loved the game of golf, spending time with his family, camping, and watching his grandchildren play sports. He was a member of First Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Ruth Ann Stephenson Barker, his daughter Meloyne Adams and husband Chris, son-in-law Faun Ramey, grandsons Brady Adams, Rylan Adams, Luke Ramey, Jake Ramey, and Derek Ramey, sisters-in-law Pam Highsmith, Barbara Kyker and husband Sam, Denise Walker and husband Rod and several special nephews.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. at Cedar Grove Cemetery with Kenneth Elkins officiating. The pallbearers will be Brady Adams, Rylan Adams, Luke Ramey, Jake Ramey, Derek Ramey, and Seth Walker. In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to the McMinn County High School tennis pavilion in memory of Natalie Barker Ramey. Donations can be accepted at any CapStar Bank location or mailed to CapStar Bank, P. O. Box 869 Athens, TN 37371.
Those unable to attend may send condolences to www.laycock-hobbs.com/obituaries/Melvin-Barker.
Laycock-Hobbs Funeral Home in Athens is in charge of the arrangements.