(Left to Right: Eva Barker, Michael Barker, R.H. Barker, & Darrell Waltrip)Franklin, Tenn. – April 13th marks the announcement of Hometown Hero, Robert Houston Barker of Franklin. In February, Darrell Waltrip Automotive kicked off their Hometown Heroes campaign to highlight everyday heroes in Middle Tennessee, and the first hero has been chosen!
Anne Frances describes her grandfather as a man of “great faith, honesty, family values and professional etiquette.” Barker has rightfully earned his hero status and his story deserves to be shared.
A fifth generation Williamson County resident, Barker recently celebrated his ninety-first birthday. A man of service throughout his lifetime, Barker served in WWII in the 5th Armored Division.
At the Elbe River, Barker’s battalion liberated nearly 1,000 prisoners of war on April 12, 1945. One of the POWs liberated, Bate Southall, later proved to be a childhood friend of Barker’s. They spent their youth together in Burwood and both now reside in Middle Tennessee.
Home from the war, Barker and his wife Eva Mae Davidson opened Western Auto on Main Street in 1948, serving Middle Tennessee residents for a total of 32 years. Ann Frances and her father Jerry reminisce about their Christmases spent in the Barker household and the joys shared opening Christmas presents after the shop closed for the holidays. “Every year - even after getting home late - at least one person would call who forgot their layaway and Daddy would go back to the store so they had their Christmas,” says Robert’s son, Jerry. The store provided many residents their first lines of credit, bicycles, baseball gloves and more.
Throughout his lifetime, Robert’s service in his community has stretched beyond taking care of his customers at Western Auto. Barker was a long-time member and former president of the Franklin Lions Club. This month Barker has chosen to give the $500 donation from Darrell Waltrip Automotive to the Franklin Lions Club, a service organization known for working to end preventable blindness. “The Franklin Lions Club acknowledges with great appreciation this donation that will help us continue to serve others,” says current President, Joy Chapman.
(Left to Right: Williamson County Trustee Joey Davis, Franklin Lions Club President Joy Chapman, Michael Barker, R.H. Barker, and Eva Barker)Darrell Waltrip Automotive’s Hometown Heroes is a monthly event honoring Middle Tennessee residents who have made a positive impact on their community. Nominate your hero at www.darrellwaltrip.com. If you have been inspired by this story to get involved in your community, visit www.givingmatters.com to learn about other non-profits in your area and ways to support a cause dear to your heart.
