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Cherryville, NC (WNN) — Downtown Cherryville is now home to a mural honoring Bob and Pat Barker, Cherryville community supporters. On Saturday, September 6, friends, residents, and city leaders came together for a dedication ceremony celebrating the couple's decades of generosity and impact.
Mayor H.L. Beam talked about how Bob Barker played a key role in revitalizing Cherryville's downtown. He remembered their conversation in 2019 when he joked that it would take $1 million to breathe new life into Main Street.
Cherryville mayor H.L Beam speaking to everyone in attendance at the mural dedication. September 6th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
"The next thing I know, we were at the Chamber of Commerce yearly banquet, and Bob called me up and handed me a personal check for $1 million," Beam said. "I was just in awe, speechless."
Beam also mentioned Barker's efforts to bring back the cherry trees that the city is named after. "After donating $100,000 for the initial planting, he came back and said he wanted 50 more. Nearly 2,000 trees have been planted so far; there are plans for more.
Councilwoman Jill Puett talked about how the Barkers have positively impacted the Main Street Program and strongly supported local students. She remembered how Bob stepped in to help students with college interviews. She noted the kids had to work to get in, but Bob was there to help. "If it wasn't for him, I don't know if some of them would have gotten them."
Councilwoman Jill Puett speaking at the Barkers' mural dedication. September 6th,2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
Puett also spoke about how caring the Barkers were toward her late aunt, Pat Beam. "If she were living today, and saw you both visiting, she would be absolutely beaming."
City Manager Brian Dalton thanked the Barkers for their role in improving downtown. "All the things that you have done are coming to fruition every day in the city of Cherryville," Dalton said—noting that because of the Barkers' efforts, businesses in town are growing and continuing to be successful.
City manager Brian Dalton speaking at the Barkers' mural dedication. September 6th,2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
Downtown and Economic Development Director David Day mentioned that the North Carolina Main Street Program has recognized their leadership. "Your encouragement and financial support are a major factor in bringing new businesses, new owners, and revitalization to our vibrant downtown and its historical buildings." He also mentioned the contributions made to Cherryville Historic Park, which keeps the original buildings intact and allows visitors to see what the city was like in the past.
Downtown and Economic Development Director David Day speaking at the Barkers' mural dedication, September 6th,2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
The Barkers have generously supported schools, sports, and community organizations. Beam mentioned their support for the Cherryville High School Educational Foundation, for which Barker challenged them to raise $100,000 and promised to match that amount.
"He's always been there when we needed him," Beam said. Their support has helped the Cherryville Historical Museum and American Legion Baseball, ensuring the city's history is kept alive and providing great opportunities for those in the community.
Local artist Judy Dempsey talked about creating the mural. "I was worried I wouldn't get it right because it's big, but I got to learn how much the community loves you and how much you love your community. And I think it's really wonderful."
WNN's Rusty Wise interviewing artist Judy Dempsey. September 6th,2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
The project started when Cherryville City Manager Brian Dalton approached Dempsey at Roma Italian Restaurant and asked if she did portraits. After mentioning that she could do portraits, he mentioned the idea of a mural of Bob and Pat Barker. Dempsey had forgotten about the interaction until Dalton approached her again; she then decided she might as well try.
Dempsey painted the mural in about two and a half weeks. At the dedication, she officially signed the mural.
Bob Barker thanked the city for making the vision a reality. "All I did was just a little encouragement, and you've done such a tremendous job. It's been 70 years since I've lived here, but I still refer to it as my hometown," he said.
WNN's Rusty Wise interviewing Bob and Pat Barker. September 6th,2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
He talked about his childhood memories of eating cherries from the cherry trees, walking downtown, and enjoying the trees that lined the streets before a plague wiped them out. "How can you have a town named Cherryville and not even have any cherry trees?" Barker said. He also mentioned that the trees symbolize the city and need to be made more of a part of its livelihood.
Barker also shared his thoughts on faith and the value of giving: " The Lord has blessed me so abundantly financially. But I'm so glad that I can do things like this."
The mural will now and forever be a long-lasting tribute to the Barkers and their impact on Cherryville. "It was a great honor. I loved it. I loved it," Barker said, looking back at the artwork. He said, "It was a way of them appreciating what I helped them with, but it was not necessary really". The Barkers’ generosity and support over the decades have left a lasting impression on the city and will no doubt continue to in years to come.
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