Dewey Lee Barker

Dewey Lee Barker, 62, of Keysville, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 15, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on December 20, 1963, to Dewey McKinley Barker and the late Charlotte Scott Barker.

Dewey was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 42 years, Rebecca “Becky” Lacks Barker; his mother, Charlotte Scott Barker; his father-in-law, Manuel Clay Lacks; and his maternal and paternal grandparents.

Throughout his life, Dewey was known as a hardworking man devoted to both his family and his faith. In his early years, he worked at Howard’s Nursery in Saxe, Virginia Crafts in Keysville, Feed Supply in Keysville, and later at Southside Virginia Community College in Keysville until declining health led to his retirement. After retiring, he stayed home and faithfully helped his wife, Becky (“Bec Bec”), care for many children over the years.

As a young man, Dewey played in a band during high school where he was the lead singer. He taught himself to play guitar and was incredibly talented. He was also the quarterback for the Scott family football team, something he always enjoyed and remembered fondly. Early in life, he accepted the Lord as his Savior, answered the call to preach, and dedicated his life to sharing the Gospel through both preaching and song. In the early 1990s, he became pastor of Community Gospel Church in Keysville, following Preacher Johnson. He faithfully preached and led the church until his health began to decline a few months ago. Through his ministry, Dewey preached countless funerals, brought together many marriages, and led many people to the Lord. He had a beautiful voice and loved using it to praise God.

Dewey was also known for his joyful spirit and the simple things he loved most — silly jokes, wrestling, the Dallas Cowboys, and especially Christmas. He collected singing Santa figures and proudly displayed them every Christmas season, often taking his family around to visit his favorite displays.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Leslie Perkins (Sam) of Keysville and Joshua Barker of Keysville; his beloved grandchildren, Dustin, Chase, Grace, and Faith Perkins of Keysville; his father, Dewey McKinley Barker of Saxe; his mother-in-law, Barbara Lacks of Keysville; his brothers and sister, Donald Barker (Tammy) of Keysville, Diann Tharpe (Perry) of Drakes Branch, and Dennis Barker (Lola) of Drakes Branch; his sisters-in-law, Lisa Barker of Keysville and Melissa Sherrill of Keysville; and many nieces and nephews whom he loved dearly: Kaylin Upton (Nathan) of Boydton, Alex Barker of Richmond, Kelsey Grainger of Richmond, Trey Sherrill of Keysville, Maci Hernandez (Salvador) of Keysville, Jacob Barker of Richmond, and Weylyn Sherrill of Keysville.

He also leaves behind two great-nephews whom he adored, Bryson and Cruz, along with a sweet great-niece on the way. He also leaves behind many beloved church family and friends whose lives he touched throughout his years of ministry.

Dewey loved his family and friends deeply, but he loved the Lord even more. His family rests peacefully knowing exactly where he is today. He will be missed more than words can ever express.

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m., Monday, May 18, 2026 at Community Gospel Church, Keysville. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the funeral service at the church. Interment will follow at the Collins Family Cemetery. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Community Gospel Church, c/o Leslie Perkins, 716 Eureka Mill Road, Keysville, VA 23947. The Browning-Duffer Funeral Home in Keysville, VA is in charge of arrangements.