CHAPMANVILLE, W.Va. — Former Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin said Monday was a “sad day in Chapmanville.” Those living in the Logan County community were mourning the death of Mayor Raamie Barker.
Barker died at home Sunday night. Tomblin said it came as a shock.
“I have known Raamie all my life and had a great relationship, friendship and he’s going to be missed,” Tomblin told MetroNews.
Barker excelled in several career paths. He spent time as a teacher, journalist, including editor of a community newspaper, church leader, chief of staff for Tomblin when he was Senate president. He then followed Tomblin to the governor’s office.
Tomblin said Barker served as his “eyes and ears” when he led the Senate.
“The Senate president’s office is a pretty busy office and to have somebody who is loyal and truthful as your chief in that office is very important,” Tomblin said.
Senator Paul Hardesty, D-Logan, said Barker was very civic-minded.
“Everbody liked Raamie. He was very pleasant, very outgoing. He loved politics. He loved journalism, just a great man,” Hardesty said.
Barker’s death was announced on the City of Chapmanville’s Facebook page Sunday night.
“We ask that you pray for the family and the town,” the message said.
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin released the following statement Monday:
“Gayle and I are terribly saddened to hear of the passing of Raamie Barker and we, along with the Chapmanville community, will keep them in our prayers during this difficult time. Raamie was a dear friend of mine. I always knew I could trust him to give honest advice because when he gave you guidance, you knew that it came from his heart. Raamie was a tireless public servant. He served as Chapmanville’s mayor, Earl Ray Tomblin’s Chief of Staff in the West Virginia Legislature and Senior Advisor during his time as Governor. As Editor for the Logan Banner and Williamson Daily News, publisher of Coal Valley News, and copy editor for the Beckley Register-Herald, Raamie ensured that West Virginians received quality news from across the state. Gayle and I send our deepest condolences to Raamie’s friends and family, especially his wife Bunny, his children Josh, Ashlee, Courtenay, Carolyn, Penny, and Tammy, and their grandchildren and will keep them in our thoughts during this incredibly hard time.”