Eloise and Family, I am truly sorry for your loss, “our” loss. I am so glad I got to speak to Tom, if only by phone, the last time I was up in Montross. Strange story: A few years after my Dad, your Uncle James Earl Barker Jr., had passed, I went back to visit. I drove the streets alone, trying to remember my way, since I was generally escorted by my brother James. I was running low on gas, very low, and I stopped at a station to get gas…but did NOT. A strange sensation came over me, and I got back in my car and said/prayed to my Dad. I said, okay Daddy, what do I do? I actually said it out loud in the car. I took a deep breath and turned left. The next gas station I stopped at, I got out and was pumping gas, and low and behold, who was pumping gas on the other side, but my cousin Tom. I got goose bumps and giddy in excitement as he no more paid attention to me than the man on the moon, then I giggled out loudly, “I can’t believe it, Tom Pitts, my dear wonderful cousin, is that you?” He peered around the pump where I could see his shirt that said P & P Towing. To my surprise he recognized me. We finished pumping, then pulled over to the side in that parking lot and chatted for over two hours. I told him, how I was lead there that day, and how I knew now it was to be able to see him. We spoke lovingly of my Dad, and how much Dad loved my aunt Celeste & her children, and how close he was to Tom. I told him how I thought he looked like my Dad, and he said, that made him feel good to hear that, since he had thought that himself. He got a bit emotional talking of his love for my Dad and how much he missed him. Heck, we even touched on his time stationed in the Phillipines when he was in the service & how my Dad treasured (and I still have) the picture he brought back, that Tom had given to my Dad from there. It was a wonderful day for me, and gave me a beautiful and lasting memory of my dear first cousin Tom. My brother James, now the patriarch of our Family, shall do us as proud as you did Tom. Rest In Peace sweet cousin. With Love, Mari~Celeste (proudly named after your Mom).

I was so saddened to learn over two months after his passing away that I lost my eldest first cousin. I often think of how he helped save my life by convincing me to sign up for my Veterans’ Benefits for medical care when I was at Stage 4 throat cancer. I’ve survived since 2007 due to his assurance that I was eligible and deserving of it. My condolences to the rest of the family, especially Eloise, Mark, Regina, and John Kenneth. Cousin James Earl Barker III