George has lived in Fairfax County for over 35 years, making his home in Clifton where he and his wife, Jane, reside today.  They raised two children who went to Fairfax County's public schools, and were foster parents to 13 others.  He attends Fairfax Presbyterian Church, where he served 6 years on the governing body and led the Stewardship and Finance Committees.

For nearly three decades, Sen. Barker has been involved with numerous community organizations, boards, and neighborhood groups.   As the chair of Fairfax County's Transportation Advisory Commission and vice-chair of the Tysons Task Force, George worked to improve transportation conditions and help re-design Tysons Corner – Fairfax County's "downtown" – into an integrated urban area.

George was president of the PTA at Robinson Secondary from 1992-94 and at Mt. Vernon High School from 2000-01.  He was also vice-chair of the Fairfax Foster Parent Association, chair of Fairfax County's Social Services Board from 1981-1998, and head of the Northern Virginia Perinatal Council.

More locally, George has been a board member of the Occoquan Watershed Coalition since 1997, a member of the Green Breakfast Group since 2004, a member of the Mount Vernon-Lee and South Fairfax Chambers of Commerce, and president of his homeowners' association from 1991-2007.  He previously hosted "Focus on Franconia" and "Spotlight on Springfield" on Channel 10's Fairfax Public Access Television.

He was named Fairfax Citizen of the Year in 1992 for his leadership and community involvement.