Mr. Barker and his wife, Dr. Lorna Barker, live in Mount Pleasant. They are working to usher their four children into adulthood. The Barkers are active members of Christ Church Mount Pleasant where Mr. Barker serves as the Senior Warden of the Vestry, sings in the choir, and is the drummer for the contemporary praise band.

Born in Virginia, Mr. Barker graduated from Virginia Tech as did his four siblings. After graduation, he accepted a commission in the United States Navy and was stationed aboard a warship in Charleston. He attained the rank of Lieutenant Commander before answering a calling into the legal profession.

Mr. Barker graduated cum laude from Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu, California. He practiced in Los Angeles, California before returning to Charleston to raise his family and practice law.