David Russell Barkley

DAVID RUSSELL BARKLEY
1913-2008
DAVID RUSSELL BARKLEY, longtime resident of the Hickory Withe Community, U.S. Naval Veteran and a person active throughout his life in the agricultural, religious and community affairs of his area, died at 6:45 A.M. Saturday, February 16, 2008 at his residence. He was 94 years of age and died following an extended illness.
Funeral services for Mr. Barkley were conducted at 10 A.M. Wednesday, February 20th at the Peebles West Funeral Chapel at Oakland with the Rev. Ed Eubanks, pastor of the Hickory Withe Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment, with military honors, followed in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery at Hickory Withe. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Home - West Chapel of Oakland.
A native of the Cotton Plant Community in Union County, Mississippi,
Mr. Barkley was born March 16, 1913. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuel Gordon Barkley and Annie Sue Russell Barkley, early residents of Northeast Mississippi. He moved to Fayette County in 1931 on the day after his high school graduation. He was married April 21, 1934 to the former Alice Rebecca Russell of Fayette County, who survives. Married for 73 years, Mrs. Barkley enjoyed preparing homemade biscuits every morning for Mr. Barkley who became very disappointed when children in the family would eat the leftover biscuits after school when he planned to have them for the evening meal.
Mr. Barkley devoted his life to agricultural activities and farming with the exception of serving his country in the U.S. Navy, receiving his discharge in 1946. His mother was a member of an early Fayette County family and Mr. Barkley and his family lived throughout his lifetime on the Russell farmland where he built his home from the timber on the family farm.
A longtime Presbyterian, Mr. Barkley was a devoted member of the Hickory Withe Presbyterian Church since 1934. He served in numerous positions of leadership that included serving as a Deacon, beginning in 1947 and became and Elder of his church in 1973, continuing to serve as Deacon Emeritus since the year 2000.
An avid conversationalist and a person known for his integrity and love of family, church and community, Mr. Barkley enjoyed life to the fullest and for many years his daily activities included the keeping of a diary, recording weather, farming information and family activities. His pleasures included working his daily crossword puzzle, raising vegetables in his garden and visiting with his many friends.
In addition to his wife, Mr. Barkley is survived by his daughter Mary Barkley Snipes Bell (Lee) of Hickory Withe and a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Mr. Barkley was preceded in death by a daughter, Jessie May Barkley Robbins in 1999.
Those honored to serve as casketbearers were Dave Stevens, Sam Stevens, Jimmy Stevens, John Barkley, Michael Barkley and Johnny Stevens. Honorary casketbearers were Dick Russell, Mike Russell, Charlie Russell, Bobby Russell, Butch Jones, Keith Rocks, Martin Barkley, Andy Stevens and Tom Stevens.
The family request that memorials be directed to the Hickory Withe Presbyterian Church, 2420 Donelson Road, Arlington, TN 38002.