Thomas Gene Barrier

On Friday afternoon, September 18th, 2020, Heaven gained a great man, our dad, papa Tom, paw paw; Thomas Gene Barrier.  The son of the late Adam and Lola Singleton Barrier, he was born in Burke County, North Carolina on April 23, 1931.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Freida Barrier, who passed away June 28, 2006; one son, Ralph Barrier; one sister, Evelyn Grindstaff; and one brother, Roy Barrier. 

A veteran of the United States Army, having served during the Korean War, Thomas was awarded the purple heart.  Such a loving man who cared for all, he was loved and cared by all who knew him.  Thomas was a very simple man, and bib overalls and flannel shirts were what you could find him in.  He lived in the cold mountains of Jonas Ridge, but never wore a coat.  He loved the Lord his God with his heart, soul and might.  Following many years, Thomas retired from Lowe’s Hardware in Morganton. 

He is survived by his four children, Jim Barrier (Pla), Cindy Barrier (Dan), Lisa Gurley (Tommy) and Donald Shatley; six grandchildren, Nicole Benfield, Jamie Barrier, Stacy Barrier, Phil Barrier, Justin Barrier and Brandon Moore (Kristen) and three great grandchildren, Nathaniel Surratt, Hailey Moore and Avery Moore.  Also surviving are his two siblings, Dale Barrier and Jackie Clark; several nieces and nephews; and two special friends, Loretta Miller and Audrey Miller. 

A graveside service will be held on Monday, September 21st, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at George H. Barrier Family Cemetery in Jonas Ridge with Preacher Tommy Gurley officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the United States Army. 

The family will be having a celebration of Mr. Barrier’s life following the graveside service at the picnic shelter next to the cemetery.  Family and friends are invited to join the family and are asked to bring your favorite covered dish.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff, family and friends at Grandview Villa Assisted Living along with the staff of Caldwell Hospice & Palliative Care that they provided to Thomas and his family during this difficult time.