G. Rex Barker

Year Inducted: 2024

Glenn Rex Barker was born October 19, 1939 to the Rev. Benjamin Harrison Barker and Bertha Angeline Pruitt Barker.  Rex was the thirteenth child and seventh son born to this union.  Rex had six older sisters and six older brothers three of whom served in the armed services during World War II.  This family lived on the family farm in eastern Wilkes County in the Little Mountain Community.

Flu-cured tobacco- the main cash crop, corn, small grain, molasses cane, barnyard chickens, swine, dairy cattle, two mules, and a large garden provided an abundance of sustenance and hard work. 

Rex attended Ronda Elementary School and graduated from East Wilkes High School in 1958.  He graduated North Carolina State University in 1962 with a B.S. in Agricultural Education.  Rex also has a M.A. Degree and an Ed.S. Degree from Appalachian State University. 

While student teaching at North Iredell High School, Rex met Nancy Elizabeth Woodward.  Rex and Nancy were married July 5, 1963 by Rex’s minister father.  Nancy passed away on March 16, 2006.  They have three sons, Jeffrey, Eric (Julie), and Craig (Donna).  They have three grandsons, Jacob (Jessica), Presley, Luke and great-grandson Benjamin.  Faye Hutchinson is his fiancée and close friend.  Rex is a member of Benham Baptist Church where he has served as Deacon, trustee, Sunday School Superintendent, teacher, and choir member. 

In 1962 Rex began his career in education at North Wilkes High School as the school’s first Teacher of Agriculture.  Rex was a pallbearer for one of his former North High students killed in the Vietnam War.  In 1971 he became principal of Traphill Elementary School, in 1980 Ronda-Clingman Elementary School, and in 1984 East Wilkes High School.  In 1985 he received the East Wilkes High School yearbook dedication. 

In 1986 Rex became the Director of Vocational Education for Wilkes County Schools and remained in this position until his retirement in 2000.  He then became Director of Vocational Education in Yadkin County for four years.

Rex was elected Wilkes County Commissioner in 1990 and was instrumental in planning and construction of the New Wilkes County Courthouse and Landfill.  He is an active member of the Wilkes County Retired School Personnel (Past President), NEA-NCAE, North Carolina State University Alumni Association and Wolfpack Club.

Rex served as member of the Wilkes County Board of Soil and Water District Supervisors (Past Chairman), Wilkes County Senior Citizens Council (Past Chairman), Ronda-Clingman Elementary PTA(Past President), Wilkes County Fireman’s Association, Blue Ridge Resource and Conservation Development Board, BROC-Austin Meal site, North Wilkesboro Kiwanis Club, North Wilkes and East Wilkes High Schools Athletic Boosters Club, United Way of Wilkes County Board of Directors, and the North Wilkes High School Hall of Fame 2019 Inductee. 

Rex’s life has been devoted to GOD, his family, church, and to the school children and citizens of Wilkes County. 

.