Alpha Kinzie Barker

Born on December 26, 1931, to Margaret Keister Kinzie Barker and Brandon Banks Barker, Kinzie was raised in Jackson, Tennessee—a place his family helped shape over generations. Though an only child, his life was full of family from the beginning, as his mother also lovingly raised cousins Robert and Lee Ewing, and later took in cousins Wyatt and Betty Stewart.

Kinzie came from a long line of Jackson history-makers. Two family homes stood on East Main Street, his great-grandfather once served as Mayor of Jackson, and his great-great-grandfather was a revered minister in one of Jackson’s earliest Methodist churches. Kinzie, too, left his mark—not through public titles, but through a life defined by love, faith, and generosity.

He loved his family. He loved his friends. He loved Jesus. And he loved so very well.

A deeply generous man, Kinzie gave of himself in countless ways: through his finances, through his garden’s bounty of tomatoes and purple hull peas, through the constant sharing of his famous toasted pecans, and through his time, help, and unwavering devotion. His generosity extended even beyond this life, as he had made arrangements years ago to donate his body to science—yet another quiet act of service to others.

Kinzie’s love for the Lord was central to who he was. For more than 40 years, he faithfully gave away and mailed The Word for You Today devotional, always looking for ways to point others to Jesus.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy as a Sonarman First Class for four years. Following his service, he attended Memphis State College, where he briefly played on the basketball team. Kinzie worked at Sears & Roebuck from the day the Jackson Mall opened, making friends as he sold appliances, and later transitioned into selling cars. After retiring, he picked up deck building for his Lost Creek neighbors and was known as a champion duck blind builder—selling brush by the bundle and always ready with tips or stories from the field.

An avid outdoorsman, Kinzie loved duck hunting so much he arranged his work schedule around the season, missing hardly a day. His passion for bass fishing eventually led him to move to the river. He also loved taking his grandchildren out on his pontoon boat, pulling them on a tube and sharing his joy for the water with the ones he loved most.

Whether organizing a fish fry or calling a friend to catch up about the best duck spot or latest fishing hole, Kinzie found deep joy in community. If you knew him, you’ve likely tasted his toasted pecans—he brought them everywhere, even to his granddaughter’s basketball games in Summertown to share with the parents in the stands.

On September 18, 1960, Kinzie married the love of his life, Camille Wall Bailey, in Jackson. Together they built a home full of love and laughter on Wisdom Street. They raised two children: Brent Barker (Tracy), with grandchildren Eryn, Rachel, Rebecca, and Isaac; and Jennifer Graham, with grandchildren Grace Schettler, Danielle, Brittany, and Sarah Kinzie. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Naomi Salsman, Tollan Anteau, and Kinzie-Marie Graham.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Camille and his granddaughter Sarah Kinzie.

Kinzie’s passing leaves a deep ache in the hearts of the Barker and Graham families, who will miss him desperately. But we hold fast to the blessed assurance that we will see him again—and that truth means everything to us.

A service to celebrate the life of Kinzie Barker will be held on Sunday afternoon, August 3, 2025 at 3:00 pm at the North Chapel of George A. Smith and Sons. The family will receive friends and loved ones at a period of visitation beginning at 1:00 pm, two hours prior to the service.

Kinzie’s was a life well-lived: faithful, generous, joyful, and full of love. His legacy lives on in the many lives he touched and in the countless acts of quiet kindness he gave without expecting anything in return.