Earl Raymond Barham

Earl Raymond Barham, 89, peacefully passed away on October 24, 2023, in Maryville, Tennessee. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 64 years, Evelyn Jane Kyker Barham. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Guy Barham, and sister-in-law, Von Barham. Earl is survived by his four children and spouses – Janet and Tom Ross, Linda and Bob Davis, Jr., Ray and Angie Barham, and John and Brigette Barham. Earl’s legacy lives on through his grandchildren – Ashton (Ryan), Halle (Mitch), Reese (Jen), Will (Kylie), Jack, Reed, Tyler, Alex, Isabella and Kirksey – and his great-grandchildren – Adaline, Isabella, and Charlotte. He is also survived by his brothers, Alfred and David Barham, his sister, Lucretia Barham Koppelmann, and his sisters-in-law, Ruth, and Eleanor Barham.

Veteran, farmer, deacon and family man, Earl Barham was born on July 13, 1934, in Riceville, Tennessee. He attended Everett High School before enlisting in the United States Navel Reserves in 1952 at the age of 17. Earl proudly served his country during the Korean War conflict and was assigned to the destroyer escort USS Jack W. Wilke.  The destroyer carried out experiments in both tactics and sound equipment off Key West while also conducting strategic missions in the West Indies.

After his service in the military, on October 29, 1956, Earl married the love of his life, Jane Kyker Barham. Together they raised four children while also operating the family farm which has been in operation for more than four generations.  Earl was also employed as a Crew Director for Western Electric and later AT&T, where he retired after 30 years of distinguished service.

Earl was an active member of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church in Maryville where he served as a deacon. He was also a member of the Blount County Farm Bureau, serving on the Farm Bureau Board for several years.  Earl was a proud member of the National Rifle Association, and the Bass Anglers Sportsman’s Society.  Earl enjoyed being outdoors – fishing at the lake, farming, mowing his yard and working on old cars. His family always believed that Bubba (as he was affectionally known by his grandchildren) could fix anything. Earl liked a good steak, old westerns, a good joke, and the Tennessee Vols.  Most of all, Earl loved his family unconditionally, and enjoyed spending precious time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Earl’s smile was contagious, and he always enjoyed lending a helping hand to those in need. 

The Barham family would like to thank Earl’s beloved caregivers for their countless devotion and love.

II Timothy 4:7 “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race; I have kept the faith.”

Family and friends will assemble for a graveside service and interment at 2:00 PM, Sunday, October 29, 2023 at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church Cemetery. The family asks in lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Honor Air Knoxville, PO Box 12990, Knoxville, TN 37912 or the Wounded Warriors Program, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517.

Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000, www.SmithFuneralandCremation.com. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the Barham family, please visit our Sympathy Store.