Richard Kory Barton, age 33, of Lenoir, North Carolina went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Kory was born on January 11, 1992 to Kelly Barton in Caldwell County, North Carolina.

He is preceded in death by his grandfather, Richard Barton.

Those left to cherish his memory include his mother and father, Kelly Barton and Eric West; fiancée, Whitney Ervin; son, Chandler Barton; daughters, Carsyn Barton and Adrianna Merrill; children he loved dearly, Greyson McMickle, Travis Hartzog, Coner Phillips, Serinity Bryant, and Ryker Bryant; brothers, Noah Gerrish (Hailey), Tyler West (Alyssa), and Cameron Rink; sisters, Taylor Clark (Terry) and Haleigh West (Cody); mother of his daughter, Charlene Grim (Joey); grandmother, Evelyn Barton; aunt and uncle, Mike and Kim Annas; and cousin, Justin Annas (Ellen).

Kory was a man of faith who was very well loved by his family. He will be remembered as an amazing father.  Kory was a graduate of Hibriten High School, who went on to become an arborist and obtained his own license to run his own company. Kory was a cancer warrior. He fought a long and courageous battle with Leukemia since 2016. He was an avid bull rider and loved thrill seeking. The family takes comfort in the fact that Kory is now with his Lord and Savior as well as friends who have gone before him. He will be dearly missed.

A memorial service to honor the life of Richard Kory Barton will be held on Saturday, January 3, 2025 at 2:00PM at Waterlife Church with Discipal Pastor Kevin Burns officiating and with honorary rights to Reverend Todd Braswell.

The family will receive visitors one hour prior to the service at the church from 1:00PM until 2:00PM.

"We will remember him 10 feet tall and bullet proof".

An online guestbook is available for signature at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the family of Richard Kory Barton.