Andy Barker

Jetter Andrew "Andy" Barker, Jr., founder of North Carolina's Cowboy Capital, Love Valley, has passed away at the age of 87. With his health declining in recent months, and more rapidly in recent weeks, Andy was admitted to Gordon Hospice House of Statesville on Saturday. He died Thursday, August 11 , with family at his side. A native of Mecklenburg County, Andy was a distinguished military veteran, contractor, and philanthropist. His most distinguished work, however, came in 1954 when he fulfilled his dream of founding an Old West-style town. Founded in 1954 and incorporated in 1963, Love Valley has become the destination of horse lovers, tourist and outdoor enthusiast for nearly 60 years. With Love Valley Presbyterian Church as its anchor, the community has evolved from a dream to an iconic North Carolina community. Though he made two unsuccessful attempts to become our governor, at his passing Andy was the oldest seated and most tenured mayor in the history of North Carolina. He is also listed in the Who's Who of America, the Mayors Hall of Fame, the Cowboy Hall of Fame, and the Southeastern Rodeo Hall of Fame. He was the Co-Founder and President of the Southeastern Rodeo Association and Founder of the Chickasaw Horse Association. Andy was predeceased by his son, Jetter "Jet" Andrew Barker III. He is survived by his wife, Ellenora Spratt Barker, his daughter, Tonda Barker Trivette and her husband Ron, and his former daughter-in-law, Cindy Barker Allison. He is also survived by four grandchildren and their spouses: Jeffrey Allen Smith and his wife Kim of Clinton, SC; Angela Smith Stringer and her husband Maynard of Sarasota, FL; Jetter Andrew "Drew" Barker IV of Love Valley; and Victoria Allison Barker of Love Valley. Andy was also blessed with four great grandchildren: Mary Grace and Holt Smith of Clinton, SC; Sam Stringer of Sarasota, FL; and Skye Greene Barker of Love Valley. He is also survived by his loving sister, Alice Barker Gordon and her husband Bill, and nephews of Charlotte, NC. And his Love Valley family. The family invites you to join them for a celebration of Andy's life on Sunday, August 14 at 6:30 p.m., on Main Street in Love Valley. We will celebrate Andy with a barbeque and covered dish gathering. Barbeque will be provided. Please bring a dish to share. On Monday there will be a private graveside service for family members only. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Andy's honor to the Love Valley Building Fund, for the Future Museum, Town Hall and Library which will showcase the history of Love Valley and the many accomplishments of its founder. Arrangements are being handled through Nicholson Funeral Home.